Redistricting is the process of redrawing the boundaries of election districts. It occurs every 10 years after the census. Redistricting evens out population shifts (increases and decreases) within a geographical area, like a county.
The Dakota County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 9 a.m. at the Dakota County Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, for the purpose of adopting plans for the redistricting of Dakota County Board of Commissioner and Soil & Water Conservation districts. The plans below have been adopted.
Adopted Dakota County Board of Commissioner Districts
Adopted Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor Districts
Maps of each plan are also available for review at the Elections Department in the Dakota County Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55, Hastings.
Redistricting principles
The following principles are required by state law:
-
Number of districts: The county will have seven Dakota County Board of Commissioner districts and five Soil & Water Conservation districts.
-
Population deviation: Districts will meet the population standards required by state law. District must be as equal as possible and not vary in population more than 10 percent from the average population for all districts.
-
Contiguous territory: Each district will be made of adjoining land.
-
Regular and compact in form: Districts will be as uniform as practical.
-
Relationship to other boundaries: Districts will be drawn using town, municipal, school district, ward or precinct lines.
-
State and constitutional standards: The county redistricting plan will follow statutory and constitutional standards.
-
Public notice and participation: The county board will publish the date, time and location of meetings when redistricting will be considered.
The follow principles are also considered:
-
Preserving communities of interest: Districts should maintain areas with similar interests.
-
Minority representation: Districts will not be drawn with the purpose of denying voting rights.
Redistricting timeline
New Dakota County Board of Commissioner districts and Soil & Water Conservation districts were adopted by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners at the April 19 meeting. The new districts will be used for the Aug. 9, 2022 State Primary Election and the Nov. 8, 2022 State General Election.
State laws for redistricting
Additional redistricting information and resources can be found on the Minnesota Legislature website.