A public hearing is scheduled for July 30 in Grand Junction, one of a series of hearings planned for across Colorado to gather comments about proposed new maps for congressional and state legislative districts in the state.

“This roadshow of public hearings is an important piece of this work and is an opportunity for Coloradans to have their voices heard,” said JulieMarie Shepherd Macklin, a member of the Colorado Independent Redistricting Commission.

“Residents are the experts of their own communities and, as these plans come together, we need public input and involvement to ensure that the maps best represent the Colorado of today,” she said.

In the 3rd Congressional District, which includes most of Western Colorado, hearings are set for July 23 in Steamboat Springs, July 24 in Craig, July 30 in Grand Junction and Montrose, July 31 in Carbondale, Aug. 6 in Alamosa, Aug. 7 in Ignacio and Aug. 20 in Pueblo.

More information about the times and locations of the hearings will be announced at a later day. Additional information, including information about how to comment in person or while attending virtually, is available online at www.redistricting.colorado.gov.
Written comments also will be accepted through the public hearing process.

After the hearings conclude, staff will refine maps and present revisions for the commission to consider and approve. The Colorado Supreme Court also must review and approve the maps.

The Colorado Constitution requires independent commissions to redraw congressional and state legislative districts following federal censuses every 10 years.

Congressional districts must have equal populations, be composed of contiguous geographic areas and preserve whole communities of interest and political subdivisions.