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redistricting


The process of drawing electoral district (POLITICAL) boundaries in the U.S.

Every 10 years, following the nation-wide census, states redraw their congressional and state legislative political boundaries using updated population data collected in the census.

These boundaries not only determine your state's representation in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Electoral College, but they also determine your candidate selection at the federal- and state-levels FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS.

Colorado will redraw its political boundaries in 2021.


How will redistricting affect Colorado?
At the federal level

In 2020, Colorado held 7 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Colorado may gain or lose congressional seats/districts depending on the total population counts from the 2020 Census and redistricting.
At the state level

In 2020, Colorado had 35 state senate districts and 65 state house districts. The U.S. Constitution states that state legislative districts must represent equal populations - it is up  to the state to decide how that is accomplished.

Following the 2020 Census, Colorado will redraw its state legislative districts to represent the changes in population. While the number of districts will likely remain the same, the district boundaries will not. Your future candidates will be largely determined by how these boundaries are drawn.
In the electoral college

In 2020, Colorado boasted 9 Electoral College votes.

Colorado may gain or lose electoral votes depending on the total population counts from the 2020 Census and redistricting.

Colorado's Independent Redistricting Commissions

In November 2018, Colorado voters approved two constitutional amendments establishing independent redistricting commissions for both the congressional and state legislative redistricting processes. These commissions will be responsible for redrawing Colorado’s congressional and state legislative political maps following the 2020 Census.

Colorado’s independent commissions will be composed of 4 members of the largest political party, 4 members of the 2nd largest political party, and 4 members not affiliated with any political party. To approve a map, 8 members must agree, including 2 unaffiliated members.


Learn More


Redistricting & Gerrymandering
In The News

Recent Articles
Recent Articles

CO among a number of states to adopt independent redistricting commissions

2/18/2020

In most places, state lawmakers and governors are responsible for drawing and approving maps for U.S. and state legislative districts following each U.S. Census.

But a growing number of states are shifting the task to independent or bipartisan commissions, or making other changes intended to reduce the likelihood of partisan gerrymandering.

Take a look at some of the states (including CO) using commissions or other nontraditional methods for the next round of redistricting, after the 2020 Census here.


Source: https://coloradosun.com/