St. Martinville adopts ordinance redrawing Districts 1 and 2 ahead of 2026 elections

The St. Martinville Mayor and City Council adopted Ordinance No. 25-02 on Feb. 17, 2025, redrawing the boundaries between City Council Districts 1 and 2 to improve population balance and to eliminate the division of an established subdivision.

The ordinance cites the city—s existing election plan established by Ordinance No. 22-1 (adopted Jan. 18, 2022), relies on data from the 2020 U.S. Decennial Census and references Louisiana Revised Statute 33:1371. It ratifies the attached Plan of Redistricting (Exhibit A), which contains legal descriptions and a map delineating the new district lines along local rights-of-way, municipal boundaries and Bayou Teche.

Section 4 of the ordinance specifies that the redistricted boundaries will become effective for qualification and election of candidates in the next scheduled election in 2026 and for all purposes upon assumption of office by the members elected in 2026.

The motion to adopt the ordinance was moved and seconded and carried unanimously; the minutes record the yeas as M. Fuselier, C. Frederick, J. Fontenette, J. Anthony and F. Chatman and nays as none. The ordinance was recorded as adopted on Feb. 17, 2025.

The ordinance and Exhibit A—s written descriptions include references to Magnolia Drive, La. Hwy. 31 (Main St.), Perkins St., Bayou Teche and other local streets used to define the revised boundaries. The minutes do not record public comment on the redistricting; the council opened and closed a public hearing with no comments offered.

Next steps noted in the minutes indicate the ordinance is effective as described for the 2026 election cycle.