The redistricting event taking place in Pennsylvania is putting a damper on early 2012 election declarations. Because the event, which redraws political districts in accordance with population shifts uncovered by the Census, is occurring about a year out from the 2012 election, many candidates are waiting for the results to be finalized before tossing their hat into the fray. Even with the Republican redistricting map approved by a committee, the process could drag near the deadline for filing candidacy for the state House of Representatives races.
Why the hold up on redistricting?
While on the surface redrawing political district lines along with population might seem a simple process, like any political change a degree of waiting is built into the process. Once the panel decides on a plan, a 30-day public comment period takes place. After that, the state government has 30-days to complete the redistricting process. A separate process exists to redraw district lines for judicial purposes and is also on-going in Pennsylvania.
What seats are likely to get eliminated?
The preliminary plan that was approved eliminated seats in Erie, Philadelphia and Allegheny counties. Because the plan that won the approval of the panel was brought forward by Republicans, state Democrats are upset about where the new lines were drawn.
Did Republicans decide which seats were eliminated?
For the most part, Republicans did decide which seats are being eliminated and where the new seats will be assigned. Because the panel that was tasked with completing redistricting was made up of the heads of both parties, the impartial fifth member Pennsylvania Superior Court President judge emeritus Stephen McEwen cast the deciding vote.
What are the deadlines for filing candidacy for the 2012 election?
In Pennsylvania, the first day for candidates to circulate nomination petitions is Feb. 15 and the deadline to file them is March 8. So while the entire issue should be resolved long before the February date, many candidates are waiting to verbally declare based on the result of the redistricting process.
Will the districts be redrawn again?
The state legislative districts are redrawn every time the Census reveals a population shift to ensure equal representation for Pennsylvania residents. Therefore, given the nature of the population shift from Western Pennsylvania to Eastern Pennsylvania, residents can plan on the 203 state house districts and the 50 state senate seats having the geographical areas they represent changed again in ten years according to results from the Census.
Jason Gallagher is a long-time Pennsylvania resident. He has experiences in trends and developments in many regions from having lived in many parts of the Keystone State, and currently resides in the Pittsburgh area.
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