Q: Why are we in the process of redistricting right now?
A: Every 10 years the Census Bureau counts the population in each state to determine the overall population of the U.S. for the purpose of reapportioning Congressional representation, with the primary goal of creating districts equal or nearly equal in population.
It’s important to note that redistricting affects only those races that appear on a ballot in an election — it’s the way we change voting districts and that determines who represents us locally, at the state level, and in Washington DC.
Q: What is happening at this time?
A: Locally, both the Board of County Commissioners and the School Board are working jointly to redistrict by the end of the year. They have to come up with districts that have a standard deviation of population up to 5 percent. In St. Johns County, we like to keep our County Commission and School Board districts together. The Florida State Legislature will start working on their redistricting when session begins in January. Nationally, Florida will gain one congressional seat when redistricting is completed.
Q: Locally, will we keep five districts for the County Commission and School Board?
A: Yes, but the way the boundaries are drawn will change to reflect population changes. District 1 in the Northwest and District 4 in the Northeast have gained the most population and the new boundaries will be drawn to encompass a smaller geographical area so that the population of all five of the county’s districts is very close to the same.
Q: What happens next for the Supervisor of Elections Office?
A: Once the new county commission / school board districts are determined, we will begin work on new precinct lines. We plan to finalize precinct lines, finalize polling places, and mail voters their new voter cards in May 2022. This is cutting things very tight, because June 13 – 17, 2022 are the candidate qualifying dates in advance of the Aug. 23, 2022 Primary Election. The 2022 General Election will be held on Nov. 8, 2022.
Q: How can readers learn more or participate in the redistricting process?
A: There will be community meetings this fall: Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. in the School Board Auditorium and Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. in the Nease High School Media Center. The Joint Board Meeting for Final Approval of the District Map will be held on Dec. 9 at 9 a.m. in the Board of County Commissioners Auditorium.
There are two websites that have comprehensive information about redistricting. For the St. Johns County districts, visit www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/redistricting to see the proposed map options. The State of Florida also has a website: www.floridaredistricting.org.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?
A: Readers can email me at voakes@votesjc.com or call me at (904) 823-2238. Our website, www.votesjc.com also has a wealth of information.
