Arlington Drafts New Maps For 16, 21 Voter Precincts

ARLINGTON, MA — The town's Reprecincting Working Group has released draft maps for 16 and 21 precincts as part of the town's reprecincting process, which is done every 10 years in communities across the state.

The maps are based on 2020 census data for population, race, household income, rent or own status and housing density. The working group also incorporated public comment received over the past few weeks, which identified complicated neighborhoods or boundaries in need of further review.

The state also provided a 16-precinct map based on population data, and the town has requested a second map showing 21 precincts. State maps did not consider racial, economic or local housing data.

• Town Draft 2 - 16 Precincts - full size
• Town Draft 2 - 21 Precincts - full size
• State Draft 2 - 16 precincts
• Current Precinct Map for reference

Public comment will be accepted until Oct. 8. The Fact Sheet/FAQ has been updated to help residents get answers to the most common, and some new, questions.

• Equity Focus Explained (including maps illustrating the data we used)
• Voter Reprecincting in Response to the 2020 Census (mapping and data used)

An interactive map that allows residents to explore the proposed maps and demographic data will be shared on Monday, October 4. In the interim, the appendix to the Equity Focus Explained report provides illustrations of how the various datasets informed the draft maps.

Timeline

• Through October 8: public comment on updated draft maps – Google Form
• October 13: Select Board hearing (meeting details)
• October 30: Select Board submits final map to Secretary of State
• April 2022: Local elections based on new precinct boundaries

How to Share Feedback

The goal of the reprecincting effort is to ensure fair representation in local elections. Residents can assist in this effort by sharing their thoughts about the following:

• Areas of town where adjusting a line will better reflect the community within a given precinct
• Precinct boundaries that may isolate a group of residents with potentially different local needs or concerns
• Provide input on the overall number of precincts to the Select Board

The RWG will aggregate community feedback into revised precinct map alternatives. Alternative maps and public comments will be shared with the Select Board to inform their decision.

Residents may submit feedback using any of the methods listed below.
Online: Google Form
Email: TownClerk@town.arlington.ma.us
Mail: Town Clerk, 730 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476
Drop Box: Town Hall drop boxes are located in front of the building or in the parking lot off Academy St.

Overview of the Process and Proposals

Every 10 years, communities in Massachusetts are required to review their population numbers after the Federal Census results are published and submit a new precinct map for approval by the state. The Select Board begins by reviewing a draft of the new boundaries created by the Secretary of State and proposing adjustments, if necessary. The Select Board votes to approve the final map and precinct descriptions, to be submitted by Oct. 30.

The draft maps prepared by the state require local input, as the state's mapping algorithm focuses only on population numbers. Community review of the boundary lines and underlying demographic data from the Federal Census is needed to adjust the boundaries to represent natural neighborhoods and protect the voting rights of minority groups.

Arlington Town Clerk Juli Brazile has proposed that the Select Board reduces the number of precincts from 21 to 16 to allow more flexibility in the face of anticipated changes to election law, especially regarding early voting and vote by mail.

Brazile has prepared a fact sheet (revised Oct. 1) with information on the reprecincting process and guidance on how the public can be involved. The League of Women Voters of Arlington, Election Modernization Committee and Envision Arlington volunteers held a virtual forum to encourage discussion and facilitate feedback.

Previous Draft Maps

Below are letter-sized maps for at home printing, public review and comment. Two of the maps were provided by the State, and are based exclusively on population projections. The town draft maps have been drawn using additional information, including 2019 data on race and ethnicity, household income, and household tenure (whether a household rents or owns their home). These draft maps do not reflect local input or final population numbers.

• State Draft – 21 Precincts
• State Draft – 16 Precincts
• Town Draft – 21 Precincts
• Town Draft – 16 Precincts