City auditor meeting kick starts citizen redistricting process
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The City of Austin is moving closer to figuring out its new council districts, and who will be in charge of drawing the Capital City’s district lines.
The 14-member Citizens Redistricting Commission needs to meet certain qualifications and consider the diverse population and geographic locations of the city.
After the application process closes, City Auditor Kenneth Mory will randomly select three qualified names to become licensed and head the Applicant Review Panel.
Mory met with members of the public Tuesday evening about kick starting selection for the proletariat commission.
"The way it's required is that we get licensed auditors and they have to be licensed by the State of Texas,” Mory said.
The licensed three-member panel will pick 60 of the most qualified applicants. From that pool, City Auditor Kenneth Mory will draw eight names to serve on the Citizens Redistricting Commission. Then those eight will select the remaining six members.
That final 14-member commission will be the first group of citizens ever to decide geographical council districts in Austin.
"This is an example of grass roots and the fact that if you get involved, you can in fact make a difference," Austinite Ora Houston said.
Before the redistricting plan becomes a part of Austin history, the Justice Department must approve Austin's new council maps. Qualified applicants must live in the city of Austin and be a registered voter. They also must have voted in three of the last five city elections.
College students may qualify if they're registered at schools within the city limits.
More public discussions are planned through March.