Douglas County commissioners approve redistricting plan

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County Redistricting

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Douglas County commissioners approved a redistricting plan on Wednesday with cleaner boundaries and room for future growth.

A committee was formed to analyze the current districts and make adjustments based on population numbers from the 2010 Census. Statute prohibits districts in a county that have a population variance greater than 10 percent.

County Auditor/Treasurer Char Rosenow presented two plans to the commissioners.

Rosenow, County Coordinator Bill Schalow, County Surveyor Gary Stevenson, County Attorney Chad Larson and Assistant Auditor/Treasurer Vicki Doehling formed the redistricting committee. The surveyor’s office provided maps of both plans.

The committee recommended Plan B, which has a more compartmentalized structure than Plan A. Rosenow said the recommendation was based on the population being more equal and any future annexation.

“Plan B makes the most sense for the city and for the county,” Rosenow said.

Under Plan A, Orange Township would have shifted from district three to district two. Commissioner Bev Bales retains Orange Township with the new district lines.

“I certainly like my Orange Township,” Bales said.

Douglas County residents are advised to check their districts and confirm polling locations before heading out to vote this fall.

The Douglas County Auditor/Treasurer’s office said new voter registration cards will be mailed with updated polling locations.

Counties throughout Minnesota are currently updating precinct and district information. For help deciphering polling locations visit the secretary of state’s website, www.sos.state.mn.us.

Read related story Big changes await voters.

Follow #AlexMN @EchoPress reporter Crystal Dey on Twitter at @CrystalDey_Echo.

Tags: local news, plan b, news, commissioners, redistricting