Overview
Q:What are "reapportionment" and "redistricting"?
A: Strictly speaking, "reapportionment" refers to the allocation of the 435 U.S. Congressional seats among the fifty states. The number of seats given to each state is based on the census results and determined by the "method of equal proportions." Thus, states may gain or lose a seat based on population figures. "Redistricting" refers to redrawing the boundaries of the election districts for congressional seats within the state. The state-by-state population figures released by the Census Bureau on December 28, 2000, indicate that Colorado is entitled to seven seats in Congress, one more than it has had for the last 20 years.
Q:Who does redistricting of congressional districts?
A: Redrawing the boundaries of congressional districts is the responsibility of the Colorado General Assembly through the passage of a bill, using the normal law-making process. The redistricting bill must be passed by the state House of Representatives, the state Senate, and signed by the Governor.
A: There are no constitutional or statutory deadlines for drawing the congressional district lines. In the past, the Governor has called a special session of the legislature after final population figures have become available and could be analyzed. The General Assembly, potential candidates, and voters will want to have the redrawn congressional district boundaries completed well before the April 2002 precinct caucuses.
A: Federal law requires precise mathematical equality in population among congressional districts. Other criteria that courts have looked at to assess congressional plans include: 1) absence of racial discrimination; 2) compactness and contiguity of districts; 3) preservation of county or municipal boundaries; and, 4) preservation of communities of interest.
Unlike Senate and House plans, congressional plans are not required to be submitted to any court for review. However, in the past these plans have often been challenged in court.
A: Under Colorado's Open Meetings Law, all committee and floor sessions to consider congressional redistricting plans are open to the public. Public testimony is usually taken at committee meetings. The location, time and agenda for each meeting will be available through the Internet. Interested persons may wish to contact individual legislators and view proposed plans which will be published on the World Wide Web.
