A helpful FAQ about redistricting in WA

Are the new legislative and congressional districts “official” yet?
No.  The Legislature has 30 days from the beginning of session (until February 7) to amend the plans.  If the Legislature amends the commission's map(s) the amendment must be approved by a two-thirds vote in each house and may not include more than two percent of the population of any legislative or congressional district.

 

Must the Legislature approve the plans?
No.  The plans become final once the 30-day clock runs out, whether or not they have been amended by the Legislature.  The Commission will soon be voting on some proposed technical changes to the plans based on information obtained since formally adopting the plans on January 1.  Technical edits, common with previous redistricting cycles, usually involve moving census blocks/areas with little or no population.  These technical changes must be approved by a two-thirds of the Legislature.

 

Which district do current legislators represent once the plan is final?
For now, legislators and congressional members will continue to represent their current districts (as adopted in 2002).  Following this year’s General Election (November 6th) current legislators will immediately begin to represent their new districts.  Newly elected legislators will begin representing their districts on the first day of the 2013 session.

 

How does this affect senators up for reelection in 2014?
Holdover senators (those up in 2014) will also continue to represent their current districts for now and begin to represent their new districts following the 2012 General Election.

 

Where can I get maps of the new districts?
Redistricting Commission staff have been busy adding map options to the View Final Plans section of their website.  In addition, caucus redistricting staff are producing maps for their members.  We’ve also posted small-scale individual district maps online.  Because the districts are not yet final until the Legislature amends, or the (February 7) deadline runs out, we have asked the commission, caucus and production services staff avoid producing expensive laminated/mounted maps.  Once the districts have been finalized we will work with the Commission, caucus staff and Production Services to produce high-quality maps for member offices.