Assemblywoman Russell: New district lines in the North Country

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) announced that a draft of new district lines for the 118^th Assembly District have been released for public review.  North Country districts have not dramatically changed, due in part to pockets of population growth.  Other areas of the state will see more significant changes.

The international border and communities united by the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario continues to provide the basis for the 118^th Assembly District.  Russell believes this link is important to the people of the district. “The border with Canada is a cornerstone of our economy and identity, and I feel it makes perfect sense to keep the district largely unchanged,” Russell said. “At a time when strengthening our economy is the most pressing issue, focusing on relations with our nation’s largest trading partner is important for the hardworking families who live here.” 

The new district lines continue to link the border region in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties as well as the five colleges and universities in the area. “The regional approach has the added benefit of resulting in two representatives in the assembly for each county,” Russell said. “The college communities have similar dynamics to coastal communities.  Their continued inclusion in the 118^th District makes perfect sense.”

Every 10 years, the state Legislature redraws the legislative districts based on the latest census data. The Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (LATFOR), which is made up of four state legislators and two non-legislators, is responsible for creating the new district maps. LATFOR will now hold public hearings across the state to provide residents with the opportunity to learn what these new lines will mean for their communities. Russell encourages participation in the process to ensure local views are heard.

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