COUNCILMANIC REDISTRICTING 2021
Population and Housing Census data are released every 10 years and during that time, Howard County redraws Council District boundaries to reflect population changes and shifts which have been identified from the findings. This web page will help you to learn about the process, why we are required to do it, and its potential impact and benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
This web page is designed to help you to learn more about the redistricting process and how you can provide input. Please click here for more information.
Why Redistrict?
Article II, Section 202(f) of the Howard County Code requires that the Council appoint a Councilmanic Redistricting Commission by April 1st of the year after each decennial census date. The most recent Commission was appointed on February 3, 2021.
How is the Commission created?
On February 3, 2021, the County Council adopted Council Resolution No. 15-2021, appointing the members of the Commission. The Commission includes seven members: three members named by the Central Committees of each political party that polled at least 25% of the total vote for the Office of the County Executive in the last preceding general election, and a Chairperson, all appointed by the County Council. The Council also appointed two alternates to the Commission.
What is the time line for the process?
The County Charter requires the County Council to set a date by Resolution following the appointment of the Councilmanic Redistricting Commission by which the Commission must prepare a plan of Councilmanic Districts and present the plan to the County Council. The County Charter also requires the County Council to set a date by which if no ordinance re-establishing the boundaries of the Councilmanic Districts has been enacted, the plan submitted by the Commission to the County Council becomes law.
The U.S. Census Bureau announced a delay in the release of census results to the states. Accordingly, the Council has tabled Council Resolution No. 35-2021, that establishes a timeline for the redistricting process, pending receipt of additional information regarding the delivery of census data needed to prepare a plan of Councilmanic Districts. It is expected that the Councilmanic Redistricting Commission will receive the data to prepare a plan of Councilmanic Districts by Fall, 2021
What are the guidelines for the new districts?
Council districts should be compact, contiguous, substantially equal in population, and have common interest as a result of geography, occupation, history, or existing boundaries. The Board of Supervisors of Elections will take any necessary steps to implement any revisions of the Council District Boundaries that are adopted.
Office of Law presentation - Redistricting Legal Principles
Redistricting Information
No data at this time.
Meetings
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Redistricting Maps
CURRENT COUNCILMANIC DISTRICTS
RECOMMENDED PROPOSALS
No current recommended proposals available at this time.