City Redistricting Underway After 2020 Census Results
City Clerk Harmony Morrissey explains the redistricting process to the Hot
Springs Board of Directors Tuesday. The board is responsible for approving the
city’s new political map.
David Showers of The Sentinel-Record
After the 2020 census, it appears that population shifts could lead to two city directors being placed outside of their districts due to redistricting. To divide the city evenly amongst the six city directors, a target population is set between 6,005, and 6,637 per district.
Districts 1, 2, and 3 are below the target number, whilst districts 4, 5, 6 are over the target number. The current population sits at 37,930 as of April 1 of last year, which is an increase of 2,737 residents since 2010.
Redistricting is relevant considering that seats for districts 4 and 5 are up
for election next year. Districts 1 and 4 are open in 2024.
"District 5
is up for reelection anyway, so I don't think that's going to present a
problem," City Attorney Brian Albright said Thursday. "Whether it was an
incumbent or not, somebody has to run for that position. We're so early in the
process. That was just the first map that came out for the board's
consideration and input. It's too speculative to even think about what the map
will look like."
The current map in progress focuses on grouping communities with similar interests and characteristics together. District 1 Director Erin Holliday says this should play more of a priority than keeping officials in their districts.
"I think making these little islands within a district is something that at a minimum is unethical," she told the board. "Based on gerrymandering, I think it's something that could be challenged and should be challenged."
As of 2013, county election boards are in charge of drawing political lines, prior to this the Garland County Election Commission was responsible.
"Staff does not relish this task," City Manager Bill Burrough told the board. "It's one that I would much rather the election commission or someone else do. We've done the best we could with the task we were given. Now we seek your guidance."
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