Caitlin Rollo, Chair of the Strafford County Democratic Committee wants to remind everyone that The NH House Special Committee on Redistricting will be meeting today, Tuesday Oct 25, 7pm
at the Superior Court (Courtroom 1) in Dover to seek public input on
plans yet to be drawn. Directions can be found the NH House Website
here: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/committee_websites/h48/default.htm
According to the 2010 census numbers, as well as a constitutional amendment passed in 2006, any town of a population of 3,291 should be entitled to their own Representative. For current population numbers for your town or city, please see here: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/committee_websites/h48/census_data/NH%20County%20Maps.PDF
Please
know that this will be your time for voicing your thoughts on how the
districts in Strafford County should be drawn. At the meeting no plans
will be discussed, as it has been stated by the Chair and Vice Chair of
the Redistricting Committee at other county hearings, they have not yet
started the process of drawing the maps. After the maps are drawn,
there will be a public hearing in Concord to take public input again,
but NOT in the counties.
Just
a little history, ten years ago at this time, during the county public
hearings plans were discussed because a bi-partisan committee had worked
through the summer on developing the maps. This year, there are only 4
Democrats on the committee compared to the 13 Republicans (see here: http://gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/committeedetails.aspx?code=H48)
and these public hearings were the result of criticisms by several
parties that the process thus far has not been transparent (see here: http://www.granitestateprogress.org/news/partial-victory-republican-leadership-hastily-announces-redistricting-input-sessions-in-response-to.html).
All are urged to attend this critical meeting tonight.
The Special Committee on Redistricting is holding public hearings around the state.
These are your chance to ask questions regarding the timeline for a
redistricting plan and provide specific input on how redistricting will
affect voter access and representation. Find more information and RSVP
on the Granite State Progress website here.
Redistricting Hearings - Tuesday, October 25
- Coos County, Lancaster Town Hall, Lancaster 7:00 pm
- Strafford County, Strafford County Superior Court, Court Room 1, Dover, 7:00 pm
Redistricting Hearings - Thursday, October 27
- Merrimack County, Merrimack County Administration Building, Basement Conference Room, Concord, 7:00 pm
- Sullivan County, Probate Court, 3rd floor, Sullivan County Administration Building, Newport, 7:00 pm
