Redistricting 2011 Criteria
The Redistricting Commission has adopted the following
criteria to use in designing the new Council districts:
Issues of Equality
and Fairness
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| 1. |
Equal Population –
Under the federal mandate of one-person one-vote, each
person’s vote is equal to that of any other person;
therefore, districts must be equal in population.
Arizona state law also speaks to this criterion stating
that districts should be “nearly equal.”
|
| 2. |
Adherence to the
Voting Rights Act – The rights of minority communities
should be respected and not be abridged. This
means that minority communities must not be improperly
packed or divided, and a full faith effort should be
made to assure opportunities for minority
representation. Race cannot, however, be the
primary criterion in drawing boundaries. |
| 3. |
Compactness and
Contiguity – Arizona statute requires that districts
“shall consist of contiguous territory in as compact
form as possible.”
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Councilmanic
Districts
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| 4. |
The City Charter
requires that, “The redrawing of district boundaries
shall not remove the residence of an incumbent
Councilmember from the district he was elected to
represent during his term in that office.”
|
Good Government
Criteria
|
| 5. |
Respect Community of
Interest – Self-identifying communities should be
recognized and kept whole to the extent possible; and
community centers (e.g., schools) should be used
wherever possible in revising districts.
|
| 6. |
Follow Natural and
Man-Made Boundaries to the Extent Possible – This is to
assure ease of access, recognizable boundaries and to
give respect to existing geography.
|
| 7. |
Citizen Input –
Citizen opinions should be expressed through the use of
citizen kits, at public meetings and hearings and
through the City’s hotline and should receive due
consideration in the redistricting process.
|
| 8. |
Population Growth –
Recognizing that the 2010 Census was taken more than one
year ago and that the City continues to grow, to the
extent possible population growth should be factored in
when creating the revised boundaries.
|
| 9. |
Existing Districts –
Mesa established its current district plan in 2001.
Because of rapid population change, it will be
impossible to prevent significant change in the existing
boundaries; but, nevertheless, there is an advantage to
both citizens and their representatives in maintaining
to the extent possible the general configuration of the
current plan. |
If you are interested in participating in the
process, have questions or would like to provide comments on
the Redistricting Plan recommended to Council e-mail
redistricting@mesaaz.gov or call 480-644-2397.
Redistricting 2011 home
Timeline
Public Meetings
Redistricting Commission
(Agendas & Minutes)
Preliminary Plans
Draw Your Own
Plan
Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
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