Senator Findley discussed redistricting Oregon
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Wednesday, October 20th, 2021 in More Top Stories
VALE – Every ten years, according to Oregon law, the Oregon legislature must redraw its legislative and congressional district lines to reflect growth and changes in population after the Census according to Senator Lynn Findley. Among many other changes, for the first time in over 40 years, Oregon gained a congressional district, CD6, which means more representation in the US House of Representatives and an additional electoral vote.
According to an update from Findley, “on Monday, September 27, after heated debate and delays, the legislature passed SB 881, drawing the lines for our new sixth congressional seat, and SB 882, establishing new lines for our 30 Senate and 60 House seats. Both bills passed on a party-line vote. Right now, the maps are being challenged in court.”
Here is a comparison between the old and new maps for our district, as well as the new congressional map. Remember, Senate District 30 includes House Districts 59 and House District 60.
Findley noted that he spoke out on the floor about his opposition to the legislative and congressional maps for a few reasons. “First, we are required by law to obtain public input on the maps. The congressional map as passed was negotiated and redrawn two nights before the vote took place and never went before the public. That’s just wrong.
Second, I believe these maps do not keep communities of interest together, another constitutional requirement within the map-drawing process. For example, combining Central Oregon with downtown Portland is not maintaining communities of interest. That’s just one example from within my district, but as you will see, there are numerous new districts across the state where significant communities are being divided – for no reason at all.
I’m disheartened to see that the input and opinions of hundreds of Oregonians who testified in opposition of these maps for that exact reason went completely ignored, and I’m disappointed this process was so partisan in the legislature this year. There is nothing more important in the democratic process than ensuring Oregonians have fair representation and that their vote will count come Election Day.
Redistricting is complicated, and I only shared a snippet about it above. If you have questions about the process, the new maps, or anything else, please contact my office or visit https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/Redistricting.”