Meridian to hold public hearings regarding new election district maps

The City of Meridian plans to hold two meetings where the public can give feedback on districting maps. 

Election districts are redrawn every ten years following the new Census Bureau population data – and this is the first time the city’s council members will be elected from within council district, due to a new Idaho law. Meridian’s six city council districts are being drawn to reflect the 2020 Census, which showed Meridian’s population had increased to 117,635 – a sizeable jump from the last Census in 2010 with about 75,000 people.

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Under the new law passed in 2020, cities with more than 100,000 people must elect officials by district as opposed to electing officials at-large. In addition, candidates must live in the district they are running in.

The Meridian Districting Committee said its goal is to “ensure” the six council districts are close to the same population and meet city code requirements. The listed “ideal” average number of people per city council distinct is 19,606.

The new district will affect local elections starting during the 2023 election cycle. 

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The public hearings will take place Friday, May 20 at 10 a.m. and Thursday, June 9 at 6 p.m. at Meridian City Hall. There, residents can listen to the Meridian Districting Committee explain the process and the proposed map – and can give feedback regarding the district. 

The public can participate during the public hearing either in person or over Zoom. The city is also encouraging residents to send in written comments before the meeting. This can be done in person, by mail, or by email at [email protected]meridiancity.org.

More information about redistricting is available here.