The 2010 census indicates that Logan County’s population increased from 33,924 in the year 2000 to 41,848 in 2010. This documented growth of almost 8000 did not come as a surprise. Those who have driven the southern part of the county are probably aware of all the residential and commercial development taking place there.
In fact, staff has maintained records indicating that since the year 2000, approximately 49 new housing additions have sprung up. Thirty of those were in Commission District 1, sixteen in District 2, and three in District 3.
This population increase is significant to the county for various reasons, including how the growth affects the road funding we receive from the state. A formula created by the legislature determines how much each of Oklahoma’s 77 counties receive, and within that formula, populations is a significant factor. It affects portions of the gasoline, diesel and motor vehicle collection taxes which go into a county’s highway fund.
Every ten years, Commissioners are required to redraw road districts based upon the latest census. By law, each district should have equal population so everyone will have the same amount of representation in government. This principle is known as one-man, one-vote. Earlier this year, the Logan County Board of Commissioners met its legal obligation to redistrict, and as a result, road district boundaries have changed.
District 1 will pick up from District 3 territory west of Guthrie and south of the Cimarron. District 3 is represented by Commissioner Monty Piearcy.
District 2, represented by Commissioner Michael Pearson, will pick up approximately 2,000 residents from District 1, including those who reside between Waterloo and Simmons Rd. from I-35 to Coltrane, and those between I-35 and Sooner, from Simmons to Seward. This change placed the Green Oaks Addition into District 2.
The redistricting plan also moved portions of the Guthrie area and all of Langston into District 3.
Not only did commission districts change, but some voting locations did as well. Voters should receive notification in the mail from the Logan County Election Board in regard to this. If you have not, or are uncertain about which precinct you are in, contact the election board at 282-1900 for clarification. This year, voters are required to present identification at the polling place.
If you are interested in viewing redrawn commission districts, information is available at http://hd31.org/146.
Mark Sharpton
Commissioner
Logan County District 1
405.282.3581
Be the first to comment on "Census creates change in commission districts and voter precincts"