Redistricting commission touring north Idaho

by Logan Finney, Idaho Reports

The 2021 Commission for Reapportionment continues its statewide tour this week, with stops in the Idaho panhandle to hear public testimony regarding new legislative and congressional maps that will be in place for the next decade. 

The commission legally has until the end of November to finalize a redistricting plan, though the members have repeatedly said they hope to complete the process before then.

New legislative districts are not allowed to have a population difference greater than 10%. The commission is also constitutionally required to avoid dividing counties between districts as much as possible. Idaho Supreme Court precedent indicates they must choose the map with the fewest county splits, even if another map better suits communities of interest.

Idaho Reports will cover the meetings and summarize the testimony. 

Meeting Schedule (local Pacific Time)