Capital Update - by State Rep. Randy Randleman

Earlier this week, the Southeast Oklahoma Subcommittee on Redistricting, which I chair, hosted its first public meeting on redistricting. The meeting took place on Wednesday evening in McAlester. We had a good turnout from members of the public; and several legislators who serve on the subcommittee were in attendance as well.
The state Legislature is required to redraw legislative districts every 10 years after the conclusion of the federal census. The House and Senate redraw their chamber’s districts, and once approved by both chambers, these new districts are used for the next decade.
The U.S. Census Bureau provides states with the data necessary for redistricting. Legislative redistricting offices use this information to redraw the districts so they are as equal in population as possible. Public input is also vital to redistricting. The purpose of public input in the redistricting process is to make sure people are distributed fairly across racial divides, rural-urban divides, and other demographics.
As elected officials, it is our job to represent our constituents fairly. Most House districts encompassed about 37,000 people when the districts were redrawn in 2010, but due to Oklahoma’s population growth over the last decade, House districts are expected to grow to represent about 40,000 people each.
These public meetings and the gathering of public comments are the second step in the redistricting process, with the first step being the completion of the census. After all the meetings conclude, the regional subcommittees will meet during the legislative session to begin redrawing district lines.
If you were unable to attend the meeting, you can email comments to redistrictoklahoma2020@okhouse.gov and find more information on the redistricting process at https://okhouse.gov/Publications/Redistricting.aspx. A recording of the meeting we held in McAlester will be available on the House website, https://okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx. There will be another meeting of the Southeast Subcommittee in Lane on Jan. 5.
Redistricting plans for state legislative districts must be completed within 90 legislative days after the convening of the first regular session of the Legislature following the end of the census.
As Christmas approaches, I want to express my appreciation for the opportunity to serve as your state representative in the Oklahoma Legislature. This time of year is about celebrating Jesus and serving others, not necessarily about receiving presents, and about appreciating the life that God has given us. I am blessed to be alive and to serve a gracious God.
Please reach out to my office with any questions or concerns. It is an honor to serve as your state representative. My office number is (405) 557-7375 and my email is randy.randleman@okhouse.gov. I hope each of you has a merry Christmas.

Rep. Randy Randleman represents District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes portions of Haskell, LeFlore, McIntosh, Muskogee, Pittsburg and Sequoyah counties.

SUBMITTED PHOTO - State Reps. Randy Randleman (left) and Jim Grego, who serve as chair and co-chair of the Southeast Oklahoma Subcommittee on Redistricting.