Redistricting is the process of redrawing the boundaries of election districts to ensure that the people of each district are equally represented. This process begins once the federal census is completed every 10 years. Using data from the 2020 Census, new boundaries were determined that reflect population growth and shifts over the past decade and created new boundaries so each district has approximately the same number of people.
The Minnesota State Legislature was responsible for redistricting Minnesota’s congressional districts, Minnesota Senate and House districts, and Metropolitan Council districts while local governments were responsible for redistricting the remaining election districts, such as county commissioners, school boards, and city council wards. Redistricting at the city level was completed by the March 29, 2022, deadline, and new ward and precinct boundaries will be in effect for the state primary election in August. Since Blaine grew since the last census there was a need for two additional precincts and boundary adjustments may have changed where you have voted in the past. Registered voters will receive a postcard outlining where voters should vote on election day.
You can also go to MNVotes.org to view your polling place, which will be updated in early June. In the meantime, you can go to BlaineMN.gov/Redistricting to see where your new polling place will be.
The primary election will be held August 9 and the general election on November 8. The 2022 ballot will include several federal and state races, including governor, county and judicial seats, and some school district offices. In addition, Blaine residents will be electing councilmembers to four-year terms from Wards 1, 2, and 3 as well as a two-year council seat for Ward 1 due to a vacancy.