News : Redistricting: Few changes in county map

The old and proposed new Benton County Board of Supervisors District Maps.

While most Iowans are aware of the redistricting that affects legislative and congressional districts every 10 years, many are unaware that counties and cities, as well, are required to update their district or precinct maps to make sure that each district has a proportional number of voters.

During their meeting on Tuesday, the supervisors agenda includes approval of the new district map. County supervisors are required to live in the district they represent, although voters from throughout the county vote for all three supervisor positions.

There are only two changes from the 2001 map to the 2011 district lines. All of Big Grove Township is now in District 2 (the west half had been in District 3). And Union Township moves from District 1 to District 3. All three supervisors (Jason Sanders, District 1; Dave Vermedahl, District 2; and Ron Buch, District 3) still live in the same district.

The supervisors held a public hearing last week (as required by law). Below is the official description of the changes in the map:

DISTRICT I

All of the following townships and cities in Benton County, Iowa:

Polk-Urbana, Benton, Canton-Shellsburg, Fremont-Atkins, and Eldorado-Newhall

DISTRICT II

All of the following townships and cities in Benton County, Iowa:

Bruce, Cedar-Mt. Auburn, Harrison, Monroe, Jackson-Garrison,

Taylor-Vinton, Eden, and Big Grove

DISTRICT III

All of the following townships and cities in Benton County, Iowa:

Florence-Norway, Walford, St. Clair, Leroy-Blairstown, Iowa-Belle Plaine, Luzerne, Kane-Keystone, Homer, and Union-Van Horne