San Rafael, CA – Later this year, the boundaries between Marin County’s five supervisorial districts will be reviewed to assure relatively equal population distribution according to 2020 U.S. Census data, as well as compliance with the Voting Rights Act and state requirements.
The current supervisorial district boundaries in Marin were drawn in 2011 following results of the 2010 U.S. Census. A new map must be submitted to the state by the end of 2021 based on 2020 census figures.The County of Marin plans to embark on its redistricting process May 25 with a 1:30 p.m. session of the Marin County Board of Supervisors. An outreach campaign will include four public hearings and public outreach in multiple languages. A public website is in development.
Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a supervisor. For the county government, redistricting means all five supervisorial districts need to have populations that are substantially equal in size. The process is required every 10 years upon release of new census figures to rebalance districts as necessary given changes in the population (see the current map on the Board’s homepage).
The timeline for this year’s process is different than it was in 2011 and earlier. In past decades, official census data has typically been released in March, giving local governments months to make redistricting adjustments. This time the census figures won’t be released until October because of challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic for the federal government to complete the count. However, a final map must still be adopted by December 15 to ensure the new boundaries are reflected in the June 2022 primary elections.
Historically, Marin been a slow-growth county with relatively small population changes after each official census. A preliminary review with experts indicates that current boundaries are likely to meet all requirements that protect minority voting rights. It is likely that some level of minor population rebalance between some districts will be necessary, which has been typical in previous efforts as the population changes between census counts each decade.
To support the public process, the staff will be recommending a diverse ad hoc working group to ensure a thorough process. That group will work in concert with County staff and legal and demographic experts as a sounding board to assure a thorough process given the tight timelines.
Although not required, residents will be allowed to submit maps made with an interactive online tool that reflects population changes when a map boundary is moved on the screen. Public hearings to discuss the prospective maps will take place before and after they are submitted.
The County of Marin’s redistricting leadership team includes members of the County Administrator’s Office, the County Counsel’s Office, and the Information Services and Technology Office.
Interested in the redistricting process? Sign up to receive periodic e-mailed updates from County staff under the topic “Marin Supervisorial Redistricting 2021” or check the California Secretary of State’s webpage on redistricting.
The May 25 Board of Supervisors session can be viewed on the County’s webcast. Comcast and AT&T U-Verse subscribers may watch on Channel 27. Meeting participation instructions are on the Board’s meeting archive webpage.
For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-6358 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail the Digital Access staff at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.