Redistricting
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Every ten years, supervisorial districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. This process, called redistricting, is important in ensuring that each Board of Supervisors member represents about the same number of constituents. Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data, which is usually released around March 31 of the year after the Census is conducted, but is expected to be delayed until September of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the County of San Luis Obispo, the redistricting process must be completed by December 15, 2021.
Why is redistricting important?
Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a supervisorial district for purposes of electing a Board of Supervisor member. Our independent redistricting commission, made up of members of the public, are responsible for redrawing the next district map for our supervisorial districts. You have an opportunity to share how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community.
What criteria will be used when drawing district lines?
District lines will be adopted using the following criteria in order of priority:
- Each district shall be reasonably equal in total resident population to the other districts, except where deviation is required to comply with the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 or allowable by law.
- Districts shall comply with the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1965.
- Districts shall be geographically contiguous.
- The geographic integrity of city, local neighborhood, or community of interest shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division.
- To the extent practicable, and where it does not conflict with numbers 1-4 above, districts shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness.
Besides the above criteria, districts shall not be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against an incumbent, political candidate, or political party.
General Public Comment
You may provide live public comments on the day of any Board hearing or redistricting public workshop. You may also submit general public comment by emaling [email protected] or by submitting your comment using our online form.
Submit Public Comment
Submit Proposed Maps
You may submit proposed district maps or Community of Interest maps using the District-R mapping tool or by emailing [email protected]. You may also submit comments regarding a Community of Interest by completing our online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Every ten years, the U.S. Census Bureau attempts to count every person living in the United States. The latest Decennial Census was conducted in 2020. The census provides a snapshot of how many people there are and where they live. Following the Decennial Census, San Luis Obispo County must divide its population into five reasonably equal Supervisorial Districts. This is called redistricting
As United States citizens, we have the privilege and right to elect our own representatives. As the County’s population grows, the Supervisorial boundaries must be adjusted to account for shifts in population and demographics to ensure that voters in each Supervisorial District have an equal voice in electing their representatives. The elected representatives are responsible for public policy and funding decisions that impact the lives of County residents, such as law enforcement, hospitals, public works, children and family services and public social services to name a few.
The redistricting effort will be conducted by a multi-departmental County staff team from the Administrative Office, Planning and Building , County Counsel, Public Works, Information Technology and the County Clerk/Recorder. The Board of Supervisors will ultimately vote after public hearings to consider draft maps and will approve final maps and a redistricting plan. The process will include public outreach and engagement of communities of interest during public hearings and workshops.
Questions regarding the County's redistricting process may be directed via email to [email protected] or by phone at 805-781-1085.
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