Kitsap County is working to redistrict its county commissioner district boundaries, and a virtual open house on Nov. 3 is the public’s opportunity to comment on the different alternatives.
The county has reviewed 2020 U.S. Census data as required by state statute, and has proposed revisions to the district boundaries. The boundaries must meet several criteria, including “each being equal in population, using logical boundaries that do not split communities and do not disadvantage any racial or ethnic group or political party,” according to a release from the county.
The virtual public open house will take place 6 p.m., Nov. 3, via Zoom, to present the different alternatives and answer questions. More information on the project is available on the county’s website.
The public will also have an opportunity to comment on the different redistricting options at a public hearing held during the Board of Commissioners regular business meeting, 5:30 p.m., Nov. 22, via Zoom and in person at the Kitsap County Administration Building, 619 Division St., Port Orchard. More information on the hearing will be available on the county’s website as the hearing date approaches.
The board must approve a redistricting plan by Dec. 31 to avoid affecting the operations of the 2022 county election cycle, according to the release.
“While Kitsap has grown rapidly since 2010, 2020 U.S. Census data only shows a 3.5% difference between district populations,” the release states. “Kitsap County has proposed three alternatives for consideration: one proposes no changes while two others propose modest adjustments to the District 2 and District 3 boundary focused on the West Park area of Bremerton.”
The different alternatives, maps, descriptions and staff analysis can be found at the project website. For more information, contact Eric Baker, Policy Manager in the Kitsap County Commissioners Office, at ebaker@co.kitsap.wa.us.
The county’s redistricting efforts are a separate process from the legislative and congressional boundary redistricting in Kitsap County. More information on those efforts can be found at www.redistricting.wa.gov.
