St. Joseph County Council rejects anti-redistricting resolution

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --  The St. Joseph County Council voted 5-4 Tuesday to reject a resolution opposing mid-decade redistricting efforts in Indiana. The resolution was aimed to send a message to state lawmakers urging them not to call a special session to redraw political maps. Local supporters called the move a stand against gerrymandering, while opponents questioned whether the issue was relevant at the county level.
Council member Jennifer Shabazz, one of the resolution’s sponsors, emphasized that redistricting should be based on population, not politics.

Council member Bryan Tanner said population growth projections don’t justify a new map.

“Indiana’s population grew just 4.7% from 2010 to 2022, and we didn’t redistrict during that time,” Tanner said.

Council President Daniel Schaetzle argued that redistricting is a state concern, despite the council previously weighing in on national matters.

Despite the resolution’s failure, local governments across Indiana are still vocal in expressing concern for the potential of a special legislative session for redistricting. Over 9,000 signatures from across the state were delivered to Gov. Mike Brauns desk Tuesday, urging state leaders to stop to push for redistricting.