Kansas Lawmakers are hosting a series of meetings this week to take public comment on the redistricting process. The Legislature will redraw the maps for political districts in the state, including the four congressional seats. One proposal that’s been floated would have the Big First District in western Kansas reach east to include Wyandotte County. Emporia State University Political Science Professor Michael Smith says that would dilute a Democratic stronghold in eastern Kansas. Smith says redistricting is a very partisan process and lawmakers will be looking at plans that benefit their party.
Public hearings start tomorrow (TUE) with meetings in Wichita and Hutchinson. Two more hearings are set for Wednesday in Salina and Manhattan.