Redistricting is the process by which the Legislature redraws the boundaries of congressional and legislative districts.  This process follows the publication of decennial census information that should be available later in the year 2001.  Redistricting is required by state and federal law, and must produce congressional districts that are equal in population.  Legislative districts must have populations that are roughly equivalent in population.  Because there are always population shifts within a state between censuses, some changes in district boundaries are always necessary after a census is taken.  Additionally, while Mississippi's population grew between 1990 and 2000 at a healthy pace, our growth was not sufficient when compared to other states to maintain our current five congressional seats.  Thus the Legislature will have to create four districts from the present five.

During the year, the Joint Committee on Congressional Redistricting and the Joint Committee on Legislative Reapportionment will begin the process of developing new boundaries for congressional and legislative districts.  Because redistricting affects the geographic and population distribution of congressional and legislative districts, it is a matter of public concern.  The Joint Committees appreciate your input on the issue of redistricting and will be conducting public hearings on these matters throughout the state.  Please refer to this website in the future for information on locations and times for these hearings.