Wyoming Legislature Working On Redistricting Plans

The lines are being drawn as some Wyoming residents will soon have new representation in the state legislature.

The State Joint Corporations, Election and Political Subdivisions Committee is working on adjusting the boundary lines on what areas in Wyoming will be represented by which legislator.

In accordance with the recent U.S. Census, state legislative representation must shift in areas that have seen a noteworthy increase or decrease in population.

Senator Charles Scott of Natrona County is a member of that committee.

He says as a whole, the state does not need to change the total number of legislators, however certain areas such as Gillette, Jackson Hole and Sublette Counties need to have their representation altered, due to a recent population increase.

Sen. Scott: "It's in good part where the mineral industry has been causing growth, and in the case of Teton county, it's a nice resort area, a lot of business there, and a lot of people move there because they like it, so the Teton county population has grown. Same thing has happened in Sublette county, but a good part of the Sublette county growth is due to the Jonah field and the related oil and gas fields."

Senator Scott also says that on the advice of several county clerks, the committee is redrawing some of the boundaries, in a way that would make it easier for people to know what district they are in.
Sen. Scott: "Little things like here in Casper, the district line crossed Highway 220 opposite Paradise Valley, and it will no longer do that, Highway 220 will be the boundary there."

The final redistricting plan will not be finalized until sometime during the 2012 budget session.

New district boundary lines will take effect after next year's general election.