By Doug Barrett
It appears state lawmakers will be able to start working on redistricting earlier than thought.
Census figures from North Dakota were not going to be available until the end of September. But now, it appears the data the Legislature needs for redrawing district boundaries will be available August 16
th.
Grand Forks Republican State Senator Ray Holmberg chairs the Legislative Management Committee that will appoint the special redistricting committee. “They could meet easily in August and have for example training and open hearings.”
Legislative leaders had said the special redistricting session may have to be held in December. But Holmberg says getting the Census information earlier could mean it would be held in November.