Redistricting 101

Curious to learn more about the Redistricting process and what it means for you? Read on for additional information.

First things first. What is a ward?

Great question! Current City Charter requires that the City be split in four, and each slice of the pie is what we call a "ward." Each ward is represented by two City Council members who vote on new laws, policy and other aspects of city life.

How does a ward get its shape?

The shape of each ward is mostly determined by Larimer County's voter precincts. We group precincts in close proximity to one another together to form a ward until all precincts have been assigned and all wards contain relatively the same number of Lovelanders.

Cool, but why change?

We need to redistrict for several reasons, but primarily because the populations between our wards are off-balance. Recently-revised Larimer county voter precincts also mean that we need to make changes to our ward boundaries in order to coordinate with the county on elections (this also helps them provide you with ward-specific voter data when requested!).

What's being done to prevent gerrymandering?

We hold a politically-neutral position in this process, and neither political nor voting data was used to develop the options. Additional criteria severely limit how ward boundaries can be drawn.

Do I have a say in the process?

You bet! You can review four options developed by staff online (link in bio!) or create your very own option. Map data and templates are available if you'd like to roll up your sleeves and get to work.

Wait, I have more questions!!

And we have answers. Visit our Q&A section to ask away.