Census 2020 Redistricting – FAQ
The following are frequently asked questions related to the City of Huntsville’s redistricting process. Questions will be added as the City’s redistricting team receives them. To contact a member of the team, email redistricting@huntsville.al.gov or call 256-427-5100.
Redistricting ensures compliance with the constitutional right of one person, one vote. It also prevents uneven districts in which, for example, one Council member represents 30,000 constituents, while another represents only 10,000.
When City Council and School Board members have a more balanced number of constituents, it ensures better representation. Ultimately, some constituents may end up in a new district, affecting who they vote for in City Council and School Board elections.
Redistricting is not the same as rezoning and therefore does not affect where students attend schools.
Yes, there are town hall and public hearings scheduled in each of the districts. Town hall events will allow the public to learn more about the process. Public hearings will give constituents the chance to offer input or submit their own plans. All plans must meet guidelines established by the Council at the Aug. 12 meeting. The deadline to submit public proposals is Nov. 22.
The population totals from the 2020 Census will be the biggest factor taken into consideration. The City’s total population will be divided as equally among the districts as possible. Other factors that may be considered include the compactness and contiguity of districts and maintaining the integrity of communities of interest/neighborhoods (e.g., splitting as few communities/neighborhoods as possible). The districts will be drawn to ensure compliance with the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act.
The final redistricting plans will be introduced at the City Council’s Dec. 2 meeting. The Council will vote on the ordinance at its Dec. 16 meeting. It will take effect immediately. The first municipal election with the new boundaries will be held in August 2022.
Polling precincts are determined by the Madison County Board of Registrars, and will not be affected by this process.
Usually, the City of Huntsville receives redistricting data from the U.S. Census Bureau within a year of Census Day (April 1). However, due to delays related to COVID-19, data delivery for the 2020 Census cycle is delayed by four to five months. The City received the redistricting data in August 2021.
The current makeup of the City Council and School Board comes from a federal court order (Grayson v. Madison County, 1988), which required the change to five members with staggered elections. Any changes to the number of districts would require federal court approval.
There are two state statutes that allow for the expansion of the City Council. (Ala. Code 11-43-64 and 11-43-40(a)(5)) However, the expansion must take place in a mayoral election year, and all members would be elected at the same time. Also, another state statute (Ala. Code 16-11-2) requires that the School Board remain at five districts.
The easiest way to create and submit a plan is by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. The City of Huntsville is using Autobound GIS redistricting software. The software package includes a public, online interface for citizens to make comments and submit plans to the redistricting team without the need for special software. A link to the website, along with instructions on how to use, will be provided when it is ready.
Alternately, you can create a plan using any GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, Maptitude) and submit it to City staff for review to ensure compliance with the adopted guidelines. Even if the plan is submitted online, you must make an oral or written presentation at one of the five public hearings.
The easiest way to create and submit a plan is by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. The City of Huntsville is using Autobound GIS redistricting software. The software package includes a public, online interface for citizens to make comments and submit plans to the redistricting team without the need for special software. A link to the website, along with instructions on how to use, will be provided when it is ready.
Alternately, you can create a plan using any GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, Maptitude) and submit it to City staff for review to ensure compliance with the adopted guidelines. Even if the plan is submitted online, you must make an oral or written presentation at one of the five public hearings.
If you do not want to use the online software to comment, you are welcome to attend one or more of the public hearings on redistricting. You may also email the City’s redistricting team at redistricting@huntsvilleal.gov. Or, phone 256-427-5100 to schedule an in-person meeting with team members.