PORT ANGELES – One of the most important functions of the national census count every 10 years is to establish updated boundaries of our Commissioner Districts. In Clallam County there are three, represented by County Commissioners Bill Peach, Randy Johnson, and Mark Ozias.
The new census numbers have not yet been submitted to the states by the Census Bureau, and aren’t expected until sometime in August, but the Clallam County Redistricting Commission is assembled and ready to go, having just put the final part of the team in place.
The Commission announced last week the selection of local residents Don Corson and Gene Unger to fill the role of Districting Master to support them in the effort. When the numbers from the 2020 census come in the county charger requires the Commission to redraw boundary lines in roughly a north/south configuration, so the population of each district is within 5% of each other.
The release of the national census population counts have been delayed this year. The revised numbers are to be provided to each state by mid-August. The counties will receive the information within 45 days after that. County officials say every effort will be made to complete the redistricting effort prior to the next election.