Austin city council approves redistricting map

(ABC 6 NEWS) – Many local cities are working on the redistricting process as they’ve received 2020 census information Austin just recently approved its new map.

The city council approved the new map on March 7th, but the process has been ongoing since October 2021.

The city of Austin and Mower County had a redistricting committee that met over the past few months to review draft maps.

Austin saw an increase in population in wards one and two meaning the committee had to shift lines to even out ward three.

"Our lines weren’t substantially modified it was more of a shifting in the middle of the city just to equal out the population," Austin City Clerk, Ann Kasel said. She added, "And there was an area over here that had to be annexed that we shifted into 2nd ward."

The impact is not as large as some other cities in our area.

Those who will see a change will have a new representative, and it will change where they vote.

Those with changes will receive a postcard in the mail with their new voting location.

Mower County uses Austin’s lines to set their lines for county commissioners.

Now that Austin’s lines are set, Mower County will hold a public hearing on its new map in April.