Rockland Legislature Launches Public Forums On Redistricting

Editor's Note: It is almost impossible to divide all districts equally, but the Rockland County Legislature has set a deviation target of 3 percent or less. This means, based on the 3 percent target, and in accordance with new state law, the population deviation between the most populated district and the least populated district can be no more than 597 people. The legislature amended this statement after this article was published.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — New York's congressional, state senate and state assembly districts aren't the only political jurisdictions that must be redrawn every 10 years based on the Census —the Rockland County legislative districts must be redrawn as well.

The Legislature’s Special Committee for Redistricting will conduct public forums in June to outline the redistricting process and timeline, and to allow for public comment and community participation.

Ten years ago, based on the 2010 Census, each of the county's 17 legislative districts was drawn to contain about 18,000 people. The 2020 Census shows that each district must now contain roughly 19,918 people.

Some significant disparities include a district that contains nearly 21 percent more people than that (24,089) and a district that contains about 13 percent fewer people than that (17,324). By reapportioning the districts to hew to the 19,918 number, the people residing in the districts will be equally represented.

“It’s simple – one person, one vote,” Legislator Michael Grant said. “Every person should have equal representation when it comes to voting and that is what reapportionment is all about. These forums will not only provide vital information to the public but give members of the public opportunities to make clear what is important to them as this process moves forward.”

Many aspects can be considered when drawing district boundaries, including keeping communities of interest together, something that can be based on similar social, cultural, ethnic, economic, religious or political interests and priorities.

“We want to hear from residents about what they consider to be important to them and to their community,” Legislator Alden Wolfe said. “What criteria should be prioritized and so forth. We’re hoping to engage the public in the process so that we can create districts that not only contain equal numbers, but that make sense for communities throughout Rockland County.”

Legislators Grant and Wolfe are co-chairmen of the Rockland County Legislature’s Special Committee for Redistricting. The other members are Harriet D. Cornell, Toney L. Earl, Lon M. Hofstein, Douglas J. Jobson, John W. McGowan, Aney Paul, Philip Soskin, Vincent D. Tyer, and Itamar J. Yeger.

During a series of five public forums – one in each of Rockland’s five towns – a presentation will be made to outline the process and timeline involved in the redistricting effort. Public comment and community participation will be part of each forum.

“You can attend any of the forums, not just the one in your town.,” Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. said. “We invite everyone, young and old, of all backgrounds and interests, to please attend and provide us with your input. It’s all about serving the needs of the public and we need the public to tell us their priorities.”

In addition to the public forums, information about this evolving effort will be provided on a dedicated web page, via news releases, and on the Rockland County Legislature’s social media platforms.

Here is the Forum Schedule:

• Town of Orangetown: 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 8 at Orangetown Town Hall, 26 Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg.
• Town of Haverstraw: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 9 at Haverstraw Town Hall, 1 Rosman Road, Garnerville.
• Town of Stony Point: 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 21 at Rho Building, 5 Club House Lane.
• Town of Clarkstown: 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 29 at Clarkstown Town Hall, 10 Maple Ave., New City.
• Town of Ramapo: 6 p.m. Thursday, June 30 at Ramapo Town Hall, 237 Route 59, Airmont.

New district maps reflecting population changes between 2010 and 2020, as determined by the 2020 census, are expected to be completed in August/September, and will be available for public viewing and comment.

The current district map was adopted Jan. 1, 2012.