The 2010 census results are in, and the Alabama legislature is tasked with redrawing congressional and state legislative and Board of Education district lines, according to the Alabama Senate website.
These districts must be redivided every 10 years. While new congressional and state Board of Education district lines have already been redrawn and are waiting approval from the U.S. Justice Department, new state House and Senate districts are yet to be decided.
"There will be some that will have quite some large changes in them because of the population growth in some areas," said Bonnie Shanholtzer, staff director of the redistricting office. "(The districts) will more than likely be done in our next regular session."
The Alabama legislature convenes February 2012.
Before the districts are decided, the Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment has announced that public hearings will be held to get citizens' input.
The final results will be based on a number of factors, such as minority population and communities of interest.
"When it's a little community, and maybe a district splits that community, that would be something you would want to bring before the committee," Shanholtzer said.
The dates, times and locations of the hearings have been publicized on the Alabama Senate website.
"We really encourage people to come to the hearings because it's the only way the committee can know the wants and needs of the people of Alabama," said Suzanne Webb, public relations director for Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange.
The district lines must be drawn to comply with the one person, one vote requirement of the U.S. Constitution.
Todd Stacy, communications director for Alabama House Rep. Mike Hubbard, said he urges students to attend the hearings to not only express their opinions about redistricting, but also to learn about the process.
"It's always a good idea for students to educate themselves and get involved with issues having to do with state government," Stacy said. "And it matters because what happens in Montgomery affects Auburn."
It's difficult to determine the outcome of the hearings so far in advance, but Webb said she is optimistic citizens will attend and be vocal about their wishes for redistricting.
"Hubbard and the legislative leadership are committed to passing a redistricting plan that has fairly drawn lines. That's the idea: fairly drawn lines," Stacy said.
The public hearing in Auburn will take place Oct. 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
