Redistricting: what you need to know for August and November

Kim A. Barton
·3 min read

I hope everyone in Alachua County is excited about the onset of summer. As we do every year, we will all need to keep an eye on those weather forecasts and for opportunities to enjoy Alachua County’s natural environment.

The start of summer also marks just three months until the Aug. 23 primary election. To ensure that you are completely prepared to participate in the primary and general elections, you will need to stay up to date about redistricting and reprecincting.

Redistricting is a nationwide process that takes place every 10 years after the completion of the United States Census. Each state's legislature redraws its congressional and state electoral districts to account for changes in the state's demographics.

Counties and municipalities utilize this new data to redraw their districts as well. That means that every 10 years, your representatives at the congressional, state and local levels may change.

New redistricting maps for the Florida House, left, and the Florida Senate, right, were approved by the Florida Supreme Court after a review.
New redistricting maps for the Florida House, left, and the Florida Senate, right, were approved by the Florida Supreme Court after a review.

Once redistricting is completed, our office conducts reprecincting, which involves using the new federal, state and local maps and census data to determine what changes we need to make to our precincts. The final precinct boundaries are the result of a thorough, data-informed process.

We have tried our best to only make changes that were necessary. Changes occurred only when Florida’s new legislative or Senate lines demanded it, or when moving precinct lines would allow us to reduce the need for multiple ballot styles within that precinct.

Additionally, several reliable polling places are no longer available to us. As a result, you may see some changes this year.

It is important that you stay up to date about potential changes to your assigned precinct and federal, state or local districts. Remember, on Election Day you must vote at your assigned precinct. The districts you vote in may impact the candidates you are eligible to vote for in the August primary election and November general election.

We are here to help you prepare, and here is how!

First, keep an eye out for your new voter information cards. We will be sending all registered Alachua County voters new voter information cards by the end of June.

Voter information cards list the name and address we have on file for you, your party affiliation, date of birth, assigned precinct, and voting districts. Voter information cards are informational only. Please keep in mind that these changes may impact the candidates you are eligible to vote for.

Second, visit VoteAlachua.gov to check on your registration status now — don’t wait! Select the “My Registration Status” button and enter in your first and last name and date of birth on the next page. The following page will provide you with all the information available on your voter information card. You will also be able to see if you have an existing request for vote-by-mail ballots with our office, and closer to Election Day, you will be able to view your sample ballot.

A roll of "I Voted Early" stickers outside the Supervisor of Elections Office in Gainesville.
A roll of "I Voted Early" stickers outside the Supervisor of Elections Office in Gainesville.

Finally, if you have questions about elections or voting, give us a call or visit us during our normal business hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are located at 515 North Main Street in Gainesville on the third floor, and our phone number is 352-374-5252. The sooner you begin making your plan to participate this election year, the more prepared and confident you will feel as you cast your vote.

I hope you all find some time for family, friends and relaxation this summer. Stay safe and remember the importance of your vote this year!

Kim A. Barton is Alachua County supervisor of elections.

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This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Kim A. Barton: Redistricting bringing changes to Gainesville elections