Rice County Board Of Commissioners Begins Redistricting Process

FARIBAULT, MN —The Rice County Board of Commissioners announced Tuesday that the redistricting process has begun and that residents are being asked to submit proposed redistricting plans for the board to consider.

A new county board of commissioners district map must be adopted by April 26, which is about 30 days before the filing period for federal, state and county offices opens, officials said.

The new maps will take effect during the 2022 election season, which includes the Aug. 9 primary and the Nov. 8 general election.

Redistricting takes place every 10 years after the release of the U.S. Census. Governmental bodies then are asked to use that data to redraw district maps in order to ensure equal representation for residents.

On Feb. 16,the state of Minnesota released its new congressional and legislative district maps.

Now, it is Rice County's turn to alter its maps, even though population shifts have not been as pronounced locally as in other areas of the state and country.

"Population shifts, particularly as people have moved from rural areas, have changed the face of the nation, and to a lesser extent, Rice County," the Rice County Board of Commissioners said in a statement.

Residents interested in submitting proposed redistricting plans must do so before noon on April 6.

According to Rice County officials, all proposals will be reviewed during an April 12 public hearing, which will begin at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Meeting Room at the Rice County Government Services Building, 320 Third St. NW in Faribault.

More details about the redistricting process are available on the Rice County website.

If residents would like to submit proposed redistricting plans or if they have any questions about the process, they can reach out to Denise Anderson, Property Tax & Elections director, via email at danderson@co.rice.mn.us or by phone at 507-332-6104, or Suzy Rook, communications coordinator, via email at rook@co.rice.mn.us or by phone at 507-384-6509.