Wisconsin's Redistricting
Information

Wisconsin's Redistricting News

All information below is from early 2001

Wisconsin�s Political Lineup

 

1991

2001

Governor

R

R

State Senate

18D, 15R

18D, 15R

State House

57D, 42R

56R, 43D

US Senators

1D, 1R

2D

US Reps

5R, 4D

5D, 4R

 

Redistricting Deadline

There is no deadline for congressional redistricting. State legislative districts must be redrawn in the first legislative session following the census.

Who�s in Charge of Redistricting?

The legislature. No committees of jurisdiction have been determined as of yet. The governor has veto power over both congressional and state legislative district plans.

Districting Principles 

Principle

Congressional

State Legis.

Compactness

 

+

Contiguity

 

+

Political subdivisions

 

+

Communities of interest

  

 

Cores of prior districts

 

 

Protect incumbents

 

 

VRA � 5

 

 

  + = required               - = prohibited

Public Access

Maps of Wisconsins old and new Congressional district maps are available here.

Redistricting statistics and information are available online .  In the 1990s there were workstations provided around the state at which the public could participate in the actual drafting of maps. In this round, citizens will be able to submit drafts online.

Political Landscape

Federal district lines changed little in 1991-1992, but the fact that Wisconsin is losing a congressional district and the divided control of redistricting likely will make the 2001-02 round of redistricting much more contentious. Democrats currently hold five of nine seats, but at least three of these seats could be vulnerable if district lines were changed and incumbents � such as long-time Member David Obey -- were to step down.

Legal Issues

The Democratic-controlled legislature and the Republican governor failed to agree on a redistricting plan for state legislative districts in 1991. A federal panel enacted a plan in 1992.


Irregularly Shaped District
None.

 

Contact Information

Legislative Technology Services Bureau

Attn: Tony Van Der Wielen

17 South Fairchild Street, Suite 400

Madison, WI 53703

Phone: (608) 266-0944

Fax: (608) 267-6763

 

Legislative Reference Bureau

Attn: Peter Cannon

100 N. Hamilton Street

Madison, WI 53703

or

P.O. Box 2037

Madison, WI 53701-2037

Phone: (608) 266-5446

Fax: (608) 266-5648

 
For more information:

National Committee for an Effective Congress' Redistricting Resource: Wisconsin
-Overview

EMILY's List Congressional Redistricting Report: Wisconsin
-Overview
-Wisconsin Redistricting Chronicle

Glossary

Redistricting Provisions 2000

 



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