State leaders promised the public would have almost a dozen opportunities to weigh in on redistricting before they redraw the state’s political boundaries. This is the final week for public input, but the legislature gets the final say. (PHOTO: KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY — State leaders say the public will have nearly a dozen opportunities to weigh in on redistricting before they redraw Utah’s political boundaries.
The latest version of redistricting in Utah will be based on population data from last year’s census.
How those lines are drawn will play a role in determining who represents Utahns in Congress, the Legislature and on the state School Board. It could even play a role in which party controls Congress since Utah’s 4th Congressional District has been a swing seat going back to 2012.
According to the Legislative Redistricting Committee, 11 public meetings are scheduled, which will take place from Logan to St. George and towns in-between.
The public meetings are scheduled to begin Sept. 10 in Price. They conclude on Oct. 20 in Orem. Stops in-between include Logan, Ogden, St. George, Vernal and other locations.
Utahns can also draw their own maps and submit them to lawmakers for consideration.
The Utah Constitution requires lawmakers approve new maps by March 2022, although they should finish earlier.
In fact, the committee is targeting three days in mid-to-late November for a special session. That would allow a full Legislature to approve a plan prior to the holiday season.
U.S. Census delays have pushed back the timeline and condensed it to about 10 weeks. The Census Bureau has promised to deliver data by Sept. 30.
Early data from the Census Bureau indicated that Utah is the fastest-growing state in the country.
Utah’s population now sits at 3.72 million, although the state only has four House seats. Census data indicate that the Beehive State fell roughly 137,000 residents short of gaining an additional seat. And 19 other states were ahead of Utah for another seat.