Wyoming’s Political Lineup

Redistricting Deadline

The state constitution requires that redistricting must take place during the legislative session after the U.S. census – meaning early in 2002, at the end of the 2001-2002 session.

Who’s in Charge of Redistricting?

The legislature. No legislative committees have been assigned jurisdiction. The governor has veto power.

Districting Principles

Public Access

Statewide public hearings are held and there is a redistricting website with maps, information, and a timetable of events.

Political Landscape

With only one U.S. House seat, there are no political repercussions for federal redistricting. At the state level, Republicans comfortably control both houses. The main issue of contention is where counties will be divided to achieve population equality.

Legal Issues

In 1991, a federal court invalidated Wyoming's state constitutional provision that required each county to receive at least one senator and one representative. This rule created substantial population deviations among the senate and house districts -- up to 83% in the house and 56% in the senate – in violation of one person, one vote. The legislature was ordered to ignore this state constitutional provision. A new plan was enacted in 1992.