Independent redistricting commission urges Utah County residents to map their communities before Nov. 1

Gordon Haight, executive director of the Utah Independent Redistricting Commission, told the Utah County Commission on June 23 that the commission will begin a statewide public‑input campaign in July and expects usable 2020 census data around Aug. 16.

Haight said the commission — created by a 2018 referendum to draw post‑census maps — will prepare sets of maps for U.S. Congress, state house, state senate and state school board seats and will solicit residents’ views about "communities of interest" before final maps are prepared. "This is going to set the voting districts for the next decade," Haight said, urging broad outreach to ensure residents feel heard.

The commission plans in‑person outreach at events such as the Freedom Festival and at farmers markets, and to deploy online mapping tools (Esri software) for residents to draw and submit neighborhood boundaries. Haight said software should be available in mid‑July and that the commission will hold public hearings on draft maps prior to submitting maps and a report to the state legislature by Nov. 1.

Commissioners recommended that the redistricting staff coordinate outreach with county election offices and voter‑education programs so local election staff can refer residents and provide resources. One commissioner noted the elections office also registers voters at events such as the Freedom Festival and could help encourage feedback to the commission.

Haight acknowledged technical limits: communities of interest may be drawn freely by the public, but final district lines must meet statutory population targets and small allowable deviations. He also warned that rapid county growth could produce representational imbalances over the next decade.

The presentation closed with a pledge by Haight to continue coordinating with county GIS staff and to return with more details on how the county can support resident participation.