Do you wonder why it is so difficult to have your Georgia state senator or representative pay attention to your needs if you are living in a small- to medium-size city? During the last redistricting, over 23 cities were divided, which meant that their citizens no longer had one Georgia legislator in each chamber of the General Assembly to represent their community’s interests, but two or three. The same problem of cities being broken up exists on the federal level in the House of Representatives. That means that these representatives are less beholden to you and have less concern for your city’s needs.
One example on the federal level is Athens, which was split from one congressional district into two in 2011. Another example is Gainesville, which is represented by State House Districts 29 and 30. Each state district needs to have about 65,000 to 70,000 people. Gainesville’s population is 37,906, so it could easily be represented in one district.
Now is the time to look at your district boundaries and talk to your state representatives about how they can best represent your interests.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.
