Utah’s Legislative Redistricting Committee outlines the redistricting process and timeline to address delays caused by COVID-19.
Every ten years, the Legislature is constitutionally required to redraw legislative, congressional and school board district boundaries to reflect changes in population. To accomplish this, the Legislature formed the bipartisan Utah Legislative Redistricting Committee, to gather input from the public and recommend new district boundaries.
“As lawmakers, we are accountable to Utahns and committed to upholding the public process,” said Sen. Scott Sandall, co-chair of the Legislative Redistricting Committee. “Public input is essential for redistricting. As individuals voted into office, we have a vested interest in the feedback and views of our constituents. We want to understand your perspectives and amplify your voice throughout this process.”
The Utah Legislative Redistricting Committee adopted procedural guidelines to prohibit the committee from using partisan data when drawing maps to ensure the Utah redistricting process is fair and equitable.
“During regular circumstances, redistricting can be a long and arduous process,” said Rep. Paul Ray, co-chair of the Legislative Redistricting Committee. “Due to the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are facing an even shorter timeline, essentially completing nine months of work in six weeks. Because of this accelerated timeline, the public’s involvement and input will be crucial to our success. I look forward to visiting communities and meeting with Utahns as we move into the next phases of our redistricting process.”
Data from the 2020 Census was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an accelerated redistricting timeline. Though adjustments were made to fit the condensed timeline, the Legislative Redistricting Committee is committed to holding the same number of town hall meetings as the previous redistricting cycle. The committee will maintain an open and transparent process and gather as much public input as possible.
Once the U.S. Census data is available, the Legislative Redistricting Committee will travel to various locations across the state to hold town hall meetings. In addition to participating in public meetings, all Utahns are encouraged to use the map drawing tool to create and submit maps for the committee to review.
To assist with gathering input, the Legislature funded the Independent Redistricting Commission. This commission will provide recommendations to the Legislative Redistricting Committee by November 1, 2021.
Anticipated Redistricting Timeline
- August 2021 – The Legislative Redistricting Committee expects to receive data from the U.S. Census Bureau by August 16.
- September 2021 – The Legislative Redistricting Committee expects to have the online redistricting software tool ready for public use by early September.
- September-October 2021 – The Legislative Redistricting Committee will hold public hearings, and Utahns will be able to draw and submit maps online.
- November 2021 – The Legislative Redistricting Committee will review recommended maps by the public and the Independent Redistricting Commission before providing its recommendation to the full Legislature.
- November 2021 – The Legislature will adopt final maps before Thanksgiving.
- December 2021 – The governor will approve or veto legislative maps.
Find additional information, visit redistricting.utah.gov.
