Legislative bodies are required by law to redraw their districts every ten years after the census data is in. This is called redistricting and is influenced by changing population. Changes in the upcoming midterm elections may affect some in our readership area.
The Congressional redistricting has affected parts of western Monroe County, Orleans, and Genesee. Parts of what was once District 27 have been redistricted to District 25. This places northern Orleans County in District 25, as well as Hamlin and Kendall. Residents of these towns now will be able to participate in the election for the Congressional race which has incumbent Joe Morelle (D) being challenged by La’Ron Singletary (R) former RPD Chief of Police.
There has also been redistricting in the State Senate impacting residents in Western Monroe County. This affects the 62nd Senate District, which encompasses all of Niagara County, Orleans, and Ogden and Sweden in Monroe County. This 62nd district will now include Hamlin, Clarkson, and Parma. Incumbent Senator Robert Ortt (R) is running unopposed.
The Assembly Districts were redrawn as well, directly affecting residents of Riga. The 139th district was redrawn to retain most of western Monroe County including Hamlin, Clarkson, and Sweden but will not include Riga anymore. Incumbent Steve Hawley (R) is running against opponent Jennifer Keys (D) for the 139th district. Riga is now in the 138th district with incumbent Harry Bronson (D) running against Tracy DiFlorio (R)
To learn more about the impact of redistricting on the upcoming elections in your area, visit https://www.elections.ny.gov/district-map.html. To learn more about voting in your county, visit https://www.monroecounty.gov/elections for Monroe County, https://orleanscountyny.gov/government/elections/index.php for Orleans County, or https://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/elections/index.php for Genesee County.
