DuPage County to Finalize New District Map Using 2010 Census Data

With 2010 Census data compiled, redistricting is now taking place across the state, including DuPage County, where district lines are being redrawn.

Two district maps for DuPage County were proposed this week. The county will hold a Redistricting Public Hearing at 6 p.m., Monday, May 23, in the third floor County Board Room, 421 N. County Farm Road. 

The DuPage County Board, by law, must draw equally apportioned districts, according to the DuPage County Redistricting Committee. The six districts in DuPage must be drawn so that 152,821 people live in each.

“We’ve been working hard to make sure our district lines do not change dramatically because we want our constituents to feel like they live in a fair and balanced district,” said DuPage County Board Member Brian Krajewski (District 3), who is on the Redistricting Committee.

Census results mandate that DuPage County District 3—which includes portions of Downers Grove, Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Darien and Woodridge—pick up 4,915 people. District 5, which includes almost all of Naperville and much of Aurora, will lose around 12,000 people. Most of the lines will be redrawn in District 5 because it is bordered by two districts which must add constituents—Districts 3 and 4, said Krajewski.

After the 2000 Census, “a map was thrown up with the new lines right before the [board] members had to vote on it," Krajewski said. "This year we are trying to get a little more input and we created a redistricting committee back in September. We've had meetings, probably half a dozen, both countywide and for each district. Our regular meetings have also all been open to public comment.”

“This process should not just include our input, but also the input of our constituents,” he said.