This page collects some questions OSS has received from election administrators regarding redistricting. Also see the Redistricting Training & Resources page. Last updated 9/14/21.
Do precincts and polling places need to be reestablished even if there are no changes?
Yes. MS 204B.14, subd. 3 says “precinct boundaries must be reestablished” following redistricting, and governing bodies “must designate polling places” within 30 days of establishing precinct boundaries.
Can the county board tell cities how to change precinct boundaries?
No, city councils and town boards determine their precinct boundaries (MS 204B.14, subd. 1), and county boards will need to use those precincts to create the county commissioner districts. If cities or towns plan to change their precincts, county administrators should stay informed of their plans and any possible impact on commissioner districts.
How do I check the population numbers in the LCC data?
The LCC-GIS redistricting data has additional data added to it for the legislative redistricting process. Adding that data may have introduced small differences in certain cases. To check the numbers, you can compare the LCC’s Cities and Towns dataset with the State Demographic Center’s County Subdivision dataset. Both sources also have Block-level datasets. If the numbers do not match, jurisdictions should consult with legal counsel about the best data to use.
How can I tell which blocks are in which area if I don’t have access to GIS?
The Census block maps for Minnesota include 1) pdf maps that can help to understand where the block boundaries are without a GIS system, and 2) the BLK2MS text file, which lists each block in the county, and which municipality it is in (the COUSUB column has FIPS codes).
What is the process to challenge the 2020 Census population numbers?
The Count Question Resolution program is the way that governmental units can request a review of their population counts. In May 2021 this schedule for the CQR program was published:
How can I give input into the federal/state redistricting process?
Look into upcoming meetings or opportunities to submit feedback to:
Do the soil & water conservation districts in my county need to redistrict?
Only if they are elected by district. In most SWCD, the entire county votes for all supervisors.
How much will Redistricting PVCs cost?
We will not know the exact cost of redistricting PVCs until a vendor is selected, but the 2012 costs can give some idea: the printing cost was $.0244 per card and although postcard postage was $.32, counties with large numbers of cards paid less--approximately $.23. The current postcard postage is $.36.
What will Redistricting PVCs say?
The address side will be the same as regular PVCs. The draft text for the reverse is below, let OSS know if you have any suggestions.
Redistricting Notice to Voters
Minnesota law requires that congressional, legislative, county, and local election district
boundaries be redrawn every ten years after the census. This “redistricting” process may have changed the location of your polling place and the election districts in which you reside.
The location of your current precinct, polling place, and election districts are provided on the other side of this card. Your polling place is where you will vote for state, county, and municipal elections beginning with the August 9, 2022, Primary Election. If your school district has an independent election, you may vote at a different location.
If you have any questions about the information on this card, or if there is a mistake, please contact your county elections office at the phone number listed on the other side of this card.
Visit www.mnvotes.org for more voting information.