Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

question everything

(48,813 posts)
Tue Mar 22, 2022, 07:40 PM Mar 2022

Districts redrawn

I know that districts can change size and/or shape, but here the state districts "moved."

I used to be in District 44, NW of the Metro, now I am in 42. District 44 is now in Maplewood. Next to District 40. Why is that?

Also, some legislators no longer represent their current constituents, including my senator. Yet, we don't have senate elections until 2024, right?

Strange.

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

dflprincess

(28,475 posts)
2. I don't think there is any nefarious intent
Tue Mar 22, 2022, 08:43 PM
Mar 2022

I've lived in the same spot for nearly 50 years and in that time I've been in a variety of Senate Districts with a variety of numbers (38, 40, 50, 51, and at least one more I don't remember)

I don't know how Senate Districts numbers get picked (for example sd 50 abuts sd 63 - go figure) but it seems pretty random & I haven't noticed any line that look wildly gerrymandered (and the courtrs wind up drawing the lines to that helps).

progree

(11,463 posts)
3. MN Senate elections are in years ending 0, 2, and 6 - so all senators are up for election
Tue Mar 22, 2022, 09:23 PM
Mar 2022

Last edited Tue Mar 22, 2022, 11:03 PM - Edit history (1)

this year. I know that sounds bizarre. Senate elections in 2020, 2022, 2026, 2030, 2032, 2036, ... But its the way it is. The infinite-wisdom types decided they wanted senate elections every 4 years, but they also wanted an election as soon as possible after the decenniel census and the consequent redistricting (and in an even numbered year) so voila. (Edited to add the "and the consequent redistricting" )

Senators elected in "YYY2" and "YYY6" serve 4 year terms. Those elected in "YYY0" serve 2 year terms.

I was in 45b but am now in 43something. I think.

dflprincess

(28,475 posts)
4. The Senate elections are weird because of redistricing.
Tue Mar 22, 2022, 09:37 PM
Mar 2022

If you want to confirm your new district #, the Strib has a handy tool at the link below. Just scroll down to either the "State House" or "State Senate" section & enter your address.


https://www.startribune.com/how-redistricting-reshaped-minnesotas-political-borders/600128883/

Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Minnesota»Districts redrawn