City of Kingston Redistricting

Project Update, 1/9/2023: Two alternatives are being considered at this point. Plan A and Plan C. Both can be viewed to the right.

Due to the results of the 2020 Census and local population changes, the City of Kingston must redraw current districting maps to make the nine wards more equitable.

To undertake this effort, the Common Council President has created a Redistricting Sub-Committee, with council members Barbara Hill, Rita Worthington, and Michael Olivieri serving.

This effort is required every 10 years, based on the most recent Census data. Redrawing local voting districts for elections is based on population changes from the previous Census; changes in the local population since the 2020 Census will not be considered.

Drafts of the new redistricting maps are available at right. Each plan presents draft maps for each ward. A Deviation and Demographics report is available here (and under Important Documents). Plan A represents the least change to current ward maps. Plan C would create new wards based on census data and the City's communities with less focus on keeping the current ward boundaries. (Plan B is no longer being considered, based on community input).

After community input on the initial draft maps, Plan B was eliminated. A second public hearing will be held at City Hall and via Zoom on Thursday, January 12, 2023 and will focus on Plans A and C.

There are two more opportunities for public engagement: the Common Council will hold a second reading of the redistricting law (Local Law #3) and will vote on a map on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 7:30pm. Mayor Noble will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, January 30, 2023 at 5:00pm at City Hall and virtually.

Written comment can be sent to the City Clerk's office until 1pm on January 30.

Watch the Redistricting Subcommittee meeting from January 3, 2023:

Watch the virtual informational meeting from November 17, 2022:

Municipalities in New York must abide by the Voting Rights Act and constitutional rules on race. NY State law prohibits districts to be drawn with the purpose or result of denying or abridging racial or language minority voting rights and requires that districts be drawn so that racial or minority language groups do not have less opportunity to participate in the political process and to elect representatives of their choice.

New York law also requires districts to be contiguous and as compact in form “as practicable,” and there must be considerations to protect communities of interest. Wards/ Election Districts may not be drawn to discourage competition or for the purpose of favoring or disfavoring candidates or parties.