WCA’s County Decennial Redistricting Handbook & Other Redistricting Resources
2021 Redistricting Cycle
The processes associated with reapportionment and redistricting are mandated by federal and state law. Under Wisconsin statute 59.10, county governments in Wisconsin are required to redistrict following the federal decennial census. In order to meet the requirement of decennial redistricting and to understand the mechanics of mid-term redistricting, county officials need to familiarize themselves with the relevant legal, technical, and procedural aspects of redistricting. To that end, the Wisconsin Counties Association has released its County Decennial Redistricting Handbook for the 2021 redistricting cycle. The first chapter sets forth the statutory procedures for county redistricting in Wisconsin. The second chapter discusses the creation of wards by municipalities and the interrelationship between ward creation and the county redistricting plan. The third chapter addresses legal issues surrounding redistricting. The fourth chapter provides timelines and guidelines for counties in meeting the redistricting requirements. The final chapter provides a summary of the law as it relates to mid-term redistricting. This handbook is meant to provide a general overview of the redistricting process and the statutes and legal principles that govern it. Before starting the redistricting process, county officials should review applicable state laws and seek guidance from the county corporation counsel regarding any legal questions you may have. Released in electronic format as a PDF, the handbook is set up to be easily printed on common copiers and can be downloaded by clicking here. Legislative Technology Services Board’s WISE-Decade The Legislative Technology Services Board’s (LTSB) WISE-Decade platform is a suite of mapping tools developed to assist Wisconsin counties and municipalities with legislative and legal requirements mandated by state law 5.15(4)(br)1.
If you have questions or comments, please email WCA Government Affairs Associate Marcie Rainbolt via email or call 1.866.404.2700. WCA Webinar on Redistricting (4.28.2020) On April 28, 2020, Ben Conard of von Briesen & Roper, s.c. presented “2021 Decennial Redistricting Overview” to over 100 county officials.
