Redistricting Washington State and Spokane County
Efforts are currently underway to draw new boundaries for the state’s 10 congressional and 49 legislative districts based on Census data gathered in 2020. The bipartisan Washington State Redistricting Commission is spearheading this work with its four appointed members, one from each caucus. The commissioners are tasked with proposing new maps, incorporating public input, and negotiating a final map—which is due by November 15th.
To get involved in the process:
- Visit the official redistricting website at www.redistricting.wa.gov.
- Review the proposed maps. Click here to see the Congressional Maps or here to see the Legislative Maps.
- Voice your opinion and send your comments by email, phone, webform, recorded video, etc.
- Submit third-party, community-drawn maps by Friday, October 22 for full consideration.
- Visit www.redistricting.wa.gov/outreach-meetings to watch previous outreach meetings or click here to register for public comment during the Commission’s upcoming regular business meeting.
Spokane County is also undergoing a significant redistricting process. A bipartisan redistricting commission that is modeled on the state redistricting commission is currently working toward a final map that is due to be completed by October 23rd.
This year’s redistricting process is particularly significant because the county will go from the three county commission district to five and going forward commissioners will be elected by district rather than county-wide. These changes will improve representation and accountability.
To get up to date on the Spokane County redistricting process, visit redistrictspokaneco.com.
Staff Transition: Thank You Noelle and Welcome Lukas!
I want to welcome Lukas Garcia to our office. Lukas will be serving the people of the 3rd Legislative District as our Associate Legislative Assistant. Lukas joins Morgan Rockey, our Executive Legislative Assistant, as the core of our office team.
Lukas was born and raised in Kennewick and attended Southridge High School. During his 4 years of competing in debate tournaments, he became familiar with the Spokane community, regularly traveling to compete with Ferris, Mt. Spokane, Gonzaga Prep, Lewis & Clark, and other area high schools.
Lukas joins us after graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in Political Science. In his free time, he enjoys boxing, making wine with his dad, collecting vintage books and records, and spending time with his family.
Last month we also said goodbye to a long-time staff member, Noelle Connolly. Noelle served as my Executive Legislative Assistant for the past four years and is now moving on to a new adventure on the East Coast. I am extremely grateful to Noelle for all her hard work to support me, keep our office running smoothly, and for her dedication to helping the Spokane community. We wish her the very best!
2021 Police Accountability Legislation
During the 2021 legislative session, the Legislature passed a suite of bills designed to build trust in law enforcement, increase safety for police officers and the public, and ensure accountability. I have received some questions about the bills and there has been some misinformation floating around social media so I’d like to provide links to the actual bills and two articles that provide a balanced summary of this legislation.
To learn more about these laws I encourage people to read this Crosscut or Everett Herald article.
And here are the links to the two bills that have generated the most interest, HB 1310 and HB 1054.
As always, please contact me if you have any questions or comments.
Stay in Touch
Stay safe and take care. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Andy.Billig@leg.wa.gov.
Onward!
Andy
