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Williamson County Commissioners discuss redrawing precincts

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The state requires precincts be redrawn after the ten year census.

The Williamson County Board of Commissioners met to discuss redrawing precincts in the county.

County boards are required to redraw precincts after the statewide redistricting that follows the ten year census.

Commissioners and representatives for both political parties were concerned about redrawing precincts in an election year. Jeff Dietrich, with the Williamson County Republican Party, said he was worried about the lack of transparency.

"I just think, we weren't given a lot of time, along with the County Board, to make the decision, and therefor the transparency's a little weak. We want to make sure no voters are disenfranchised," he said.

The board discussed the idea of postponing the redrawing until after the 2022 elections, but there was debate over whether or not the 60 day timeline in the state statue would allow for that.

The board agreed to postpone making a decision until their next meeting, to allow the county board attorney to investigate whether or not the redistricting can be put off until 2023.

Steph Whiteside is a Digital Media News Specialist with WSIU radio in Carbondale, Ill. She previously worked as a general reporter at AJ+ and Current TV.
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