Redistricting Hearing Set for Tuesday

If you want your voice heard on political redistricting, consider attending the of the joint House and Senate Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Committee set for 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Georgia is gaining a Congressional district and some say because indicate most of the state's growth was in the north portion of the state. Redistricting or the redrawing of political districts is required as the population grows to ensure elected officials represent roughly the same number of constituents.

In its seventh public hearing across the state, the committees responsible for carving the new Congressional and state legislative districts will be in Cartersville at the . The committees are expected to receive public input, but reports indicate members refrain from answering questions. 

State Sen. Bill Heath, R-Bremen, in an email said members of the joint committee will hear testimony from constituents who wish to speak on either redistricting or reapportionment, which is the process of deciding how many U.S. representatives a state will receive in Congress.

The new lines could affect Bartow County's representation in Congress and the state House and Senate. Redistricting also affects local elections — city council and school boards — although those changes are expected to be minor.

Read more on political redistricting from Cartersville Patch columnist , and from local news outlets here and here.