Issues

Redistricting is the revision or replacement of existing districts, resulting in new districts with different geographical boundaries. The basic purpose of redistricting is to equalize population in state and congressional districts after the census, conducted every ten years, indicates an increase or decrease or shift in population.

The Texas Legislature had the opportunity to redraw Congressional District lines in 2003 so that Texas districts better reflected the make-up of Texas voters.

In June 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision on the Legislature's 2003 congressional redistricting efforts.  The justices upheld the vast majority of Texas' congressional redistricting plan, but ordered the state to make revisions to District 23 in accordance with their interpretation of the federal Voting Rights Act.

Although only District 23 was cited in the decision, changing this district had a ripple effect.  A three-judge Federal District Court panel redrew District 23 which led to changes in Districts 15, 21, 25, and 28.   

On November 7, voters in these 5 districts will have an opportunity to elect a congressional candidate of their choice in a special election held simultaneously with the Texas general election.   Elected congressional representatives will take office in January 2007.

More information on the redistricting process can be found on the Texas Legislative Council Web site at www.tlc.state.tx.us/redist/redist.htm.

Also, you can read the U.S. Supreme Court's full decision at http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=US&vol=000&invol=05-204