A series of public hearings is under way to gather comments about proposed new maps for congressional and state legislative districts in Colorado.

A hearing is set for 7 p.m. July 30 in the Meyer Ballroom at the Colorado Mesa University Student Center in Grand Junction.

Elsewhere in Western Colorado, hearings are set for July 23 in Steamboat Springs, July 24 in Craig, July 30 in Montrose, July 31 in Carbondale, Aug. 6 in Alamosa and Aug. 7 in Ignacio.

The Colorado Independent Redistricting Commission is in the process of drawing maps for eight congressional districts, 35 state senate districts and 65 state house 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 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.

Additional information — including information about how to comment at the hearings in person or while attending virtually — is available online at the website 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.