WHAT IS REDISTRICTING?

Following the U.S. Census, state legislatures must redraw their congressional and state voting districts based on changes to population and to maintain equal representation. Local jurisdictions, such as county commission and school board, must also redraw their districts for the same reasons.

 

WHAT IS THE U.S. CENSUS?

The U.S. Census is a head count of each person in the country. The Census Bureau conducts this count and then uses this information to assign U.S. House of Representatives seats to each state based on population. This is called “reapportionment.” Findings from the 2020 Census showed that Florida’s population had significantly increased and the state gained one new seat in the U.S. House of Representatives (increasing from 27 to 28).

 

WHEN WILL THE NEW MAPS BE COMPLETE?

In December 2021, Collier County’s Board of County Commissioners and School Board finalized and approved their local redistricting maps.

In March 2022, the Florida Legislature passed the Florida House and Senate maps and in April 2022, the US Congressional District map was passed. For a detailed calendar of events for the Florida Legislature’s redistricting process, visit: https://www.floridaredistricting.gov/.

 

WHAT IS THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS' ROLE IN REDISTRICTING?

Once the Florida Legislature and local governing bodies finalize their district maps, the Supervisor of Elections redraws their precinct boundaries, updates new precinct assignments for voters, assigns Election Day polling locations and then notifies the voters of the changes made.

 

HOW WILL THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS AFFECT ME AS A VOTER?

Districts determine which elections you are eligible to participate in and what contests will appear on your ballot. During the 2022 elections, you may see that you have different representatives than you had in past elections. This would be due to district boundary changes at the state and/or local level.

 

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES?

Every voter in Collier County was mailed a new Voter Information Card before the 2022 Primary Election. Voters are encouraged to visit www.CollierVotes.gov and check their registration status. From there, you can view your office holders and make any updates to your registration status as needed.

 

HOW DO I KNOW WHO MY REPRESENTATIVES ARE AFTER REDISTRICTING?

To view your elected officials, visit www.CollierVotes.gov and select "Check My Voter Info." Once in your record, you can view all your office holders including those who were enacted by the recent redistricting process.

You can also contact our office at (239) 252-VOTE (8683) to confirm your elected officials or request a new Voter Information Card.