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Redistricting - What is it? Why do we do it? How is it done?: Neighboring States

Iowa

Congressional:

4 representatives

State Legislature:

100 districts with 50 Senators and 100 Representatives

Who does the redistricting: Legislature with help from two non-partisan groups. Governor has veto power.

  • Legislative Services Agency (LSA)
  • Independent Commission (elected by the majority and minority leaders in each legislative house and a 5th member elected by the first 4; no member can be in a partisan political position or be related to someone who is)
Criteria:
  • In addition to the required federal criteria and voting rights act:
  • May not be used to reduce the strength of a language or ethnic group
Public Input

After the Legislative Services Agency publishes a plan, at least 3 public comment forums are held. The LSA summarizes the comments and supplies a report with their plan to the legislature.

Minnesota

Congressional:

7 of representatives

State Legislature:

134 districts with 67 Senators and 134 Representatives

State Legislature does the redistricting with gubernatorial veto.

Criteria:
  • Federal criteria and voting rights act.
Public Input

None legislated.

Montana

Congressional:

1 of representatives

State Legislature:

100 districts with 50 Senators and100 Representatives

Independent commission redistricts.

Criteria:
  • Federal criteria and Voting Rights Act
Public Input

Commission is required to hold at least 1 public hearing at the state capital but in the past, the commission has held far more than 1 hearing.

Nebraska

Congressional:

3 of representatives

State Legislature:

49 districts with only one chamber

State legislature draws the redistricting lines with gubernatorial veto.

Criteria:
  • Federal criteria and voting rights act
Public Input

Plan must be made public and at least one public hearing in each district must be held before the plan is finalized.

North Dakota

Congressional:

1 of representatives

State Legislature:

47 districts with 47 Senators and 94 Representatives

State legislature draws redistricting lines.

Criteria:
  • Federal criteria and voter rights act
Public Input

None legislated.

Wyoming

Congressional:

1 of representatives

State Legislature:

60 districts with 30 Senators and 60 Representatives

State legislature draws redistricting lines subject to gubernatorial veto.

Criteria:
  • Federal criteria and Voting Rights Act
Public Input

None legislated