Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021 | 1:24 p.m.
Voting district boundaries in Clark County have been redrawn based on 2020 Census Bureau data to accommodate a population growth of 16.2% county residents over the past 10 years.
The maps, which were approved this morning by commissioners, will take effect in two weeks and more evenly distribute the 2,266,715 residents who live in the county.
Dave Heller, a county-hired consultant who assisted with redistricting, said the county's seven districts have a less than 2% population deviation compared with each, well under federal standards that institute a less than 10% deviation. He thinks they are drawn fairly and with balance.
“I’m proud of this map,” he said. “I think you should be proud of this map. I think the people of Clark County should be proud of this map.”
Unequal growth over the past 10 years — the last time redistricting occurred — requires redrawing the maps to ensure balance across the districts. Proposals and community feedback were first heard in October.
A notable change came in District D, overseen by Commissioner William McCurdy II, It increased from 287,626 to 317,193 residents on the new map, while Commissioner Justin Jones’ District F decreased from 365,567 to 324,323. District D encompasses North Las Vegas while District F covers West Las Vegas and Spring Valley.
Some community members spoke out against the proposal. Maria Nieto, Nevada state director at Mi Familia Vota, said the map splits residents near Rancho High School from their community and separates Hispanic community members from Black residents in Districts D and E. She says the maps do not accurately represent the districts’ communities.
“We cannot support any maps that put Latino representation against Black representation,” Nieto said.
Mathilda Guerrero, democracy manager at Silver State Voices, said the approved map is the “least damaging” of the three proposals but that the group still does not endorse it. Similarly to Nieto, Guerrero said the map divides Hispanic and Black residents as well as splicing an Asian American and Pacific Islander community between Districts A and F.
“Having Latino representation is great since right now, there is none,” Guerrero said. “Historically, communities of color are most undercounted. The map should reflect the 2020 Census data, but much like respecting communities of interest, this should also be considered.”
