New Walton County Precincts Needed

[DuneLaker]

The entire United States goes through a redistriciting process every ten years after a census to provide more even and fair districts. It is one of the most important political processes that occurs. The one person, one vote concept provides a strong pillar in this redistricing process to provide a fair vote for all. One way it is not fair locally-- The political parties in Walton County are controlled and organized around precincts. There are four South Walton precincts now, and 29 North Walton precincts. Even with some number adjustments and allowances, South Walton is not equally and fairly represented. You have both a size and total number of precincts issue. A precinct person that only has 71 people to contact and encourage to go vote clearly does not have the same equal and fair challenge a precinct worker who has several thousand. If a goal was to save taxpayer money, consolidating precincts and not having to have so many little places have to meet all those expensive ADA requirements might just do it. If a goal is to provide a fair vote and increase voter participation, a new voting precinct in Sandestin might just do it. South Walton's numbers were doing better in some past elections. It could be another long discussion as to why numbers are down for all voters.

 

[wrobert]

The entire United States goes through a redistriciting process every ten years after a census to provide more even and fair districts. It is one of the most important political processes that occurs. The one person, one vote concept provides a strong pillar in this redistricing process to provide a fair vote for all. One way it is not fair locally-- The political parties in Walton County are controlled and organized around precincts. There are four South Walton precincts now, and 29 North Walton precincts. Even with some number adjustments and allowances, South Walton is not equally and fairly represented. You have both a size and total number of precincts issue. A precinct person that only has 71 people to contact and encourage to go vote clearly does not have the same equal and fair challenge a precinct worker who has several thousand. If a goal was to save taxpayer money, consolidating precincts and not having to have so many little places have to meet all those expensive ADA requirements might just do it. If a goal is to provide a fair vote and increase voter participation, a new voting precinct in Sandestin might just do it. South Walton's numbers were doing better in some past elections. It could be another long discussion as to why numbers are down for all voters.

Having sat on the Redistricting Committee for Walton County in the past, I am well aware of what redistricting is. But what I have yet to understand is what do precincts have to do with representation? The parties can add additional precinct persons based on the number of registered voters in a precinct. So that part is handled. What is not handled is that the volunteers are not showing up to make the contacts. How, having additional precincts is going to fix that is beyond me. I am trying to understand what you are saying, but so far I am lost. Please, see if you can come at me from a different direction and maybe it will fall into place.

And the entire United States does not redistrict. If there is no significant change in population within the districts they are left alone.

 

[DuneLaker]

The entire United States does go through a redistricting process. I sat on a state redistricting board in the past. In areas where there has been extreme growth, like South Walton, there is often change. Each state does it a little different. In some, the state legislature handles, in other states, a private board appointed by the governor makes the decisions that ultimately go to the United States Justice Department for final approval of plan. We really should be more involved this next time and not get "messed over" with our Congressional districts etc. My observation of the local Walton County redistricting process was that it was lacking on many levels. And the part about adding precinct people, doesn't handle the issue. I disagree with you. If we had a more fair system in Walton County, precinct leaders from the new precincts might be more available. There are as about as many old, historical communities of interest in South Walton as North Walton. There could be a Seagrove precinct, a Blue Mountain precinct, etc. Cut down the total number of 33 precincts, divide up the numbers, save some money, increase voter turnout, be fair and equal.

 

[wrobert]

My observation of the local Walton County redistricting process was that it was lacking on many levels. And the part about adding precinct people, doesn't handle the issue. I disagree with you. If we had a more fair system in Walton County, precinct leaders from the new precincts might be more available. There are as about as many old, historical communities of interest in South Walton as North Walton. There could be a Seagrove precinct, a Blue Mountain precinct, etc. Cut down the total number of 33 precincts, divide up the numbers, save some money, increase voter turnout, be fair and equal.

What precinct is it that you lead?