Members

• Lisle Baker (Chairman)
• Stephen Linsky (Vice Chair)
• Scott Lennon
• Anthony Salvucci
• Jay Harney
• John Rice
• Richard Blazar
• Cheryl Lappin

Committee Clerk

David Olson
dolson@newtonma.gov

Every ten years, at the completion of the federal census, Massachusetts Law requires that cities and towns undertake the redistricting process to establish ward and precinct boundaries based on the new census data. Drawing new precinct and ward lines will take place if the wards of the city do not contain approximately equal numbers of residents so that each ward's population is within 5 percent of the average. Even if Newton does not need to redistrict because our present plan conforms with the law, it is still necessary to file all the necessary information based on the latest federal census figures and have the plan reapproved by the Local Election District Review Commission (LEDRC).

The basis for any redistricting plan is population. The Massachusetts Constitution requires that districts be formed with "as nearly as may be" an equal number of “inhabitants” as determined by the federal census. Municipalities themselves have the initial responsibility of establishing ward and precinct boundaries, which become the building blocks in determining legislative and local government districts.

After obtaining the necessary local approval, each city and town must submit their plans, including maps and population information, to the Secretary ofthe Commonwealth who thereafter makes this information and materials available to an independent commission known as the Local Election District Review Commission (LEDRC) for their approval.

Please contact the Board of Aldermen’s office at (617) 796-1210 for additional information.