Redistricting Process for Election Districts Underway

The Washington State Redistricting Commission is in the process of crafting new congressional and legislative districts, a process that occurs every decade after the collection of census data.

"Going forward, I think the ideal legislative district is approximately is 156,000 people or registered voters and the 12th district is a little bit shy of that," said 12th District Senator Brad Hawkins. "So the 12th legislative district is expected to grow in terms of geography."

According to Hawkins, a lot of Central and Eastern Washington districts are underreporting their population in the 2020 census data. Western Washington is overperforming with population reports. This could cause Central and Eastern Washington to grow geographically and Western Washington tighten up to be more dense.

"Some people actually fear that could squeeze one of the Central Washington, Eastern Washington districts," said Senator Hawkins. "Statewide, it could make it more difficult for Republicans to pick up some of the suburban districts they used to pick up in close elections."

For a link to participate in the redistricting process, visit here.