Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Local members of the community tomorrow, Thurs., Sept. 9, will have the opportunity to give their opinions on how they feel their areas should fit in new district lines that will be drawn thanks to new Census data that was released last month, according to Alabama Values officials.

Members of the state’s reapportionment committee will hold a public hearing at 11 a.m., at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College at the Wendell Mitchell Conference Center.

Every decade Alabama Legislators come together to draw new district lines that give every vote in Alabama equal weight and all communities equal access to the decision-making processes that determine funding for schools, hospitals and other essential services, officials said.

Grassroots organizations and coalitions in Alabama have come together to ensure state legislators draw fair maps and advocate for all Alabama residents, especially historically underrepresented groups, to get the representation and resources they deserve.

Community involvement in redistricting gives citizens the opportunity to claim a seat at the table and influence the outcome of the process.

“Getting involved in the redistricting process in your community lets the legislature know that you’re paying attention to the choices they are making,” Anneshia Hardy, executive director of Alabama Values, said. “You are giving your opinions on what your community truly needs.”

During the public hearings, attendees will have the opportunity to let legislators know what is important to their communities.

The public hearing is also available through live stream. Visit https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGNkMThjYjctN2Q5OS00MTliLWE1NTktYTU1N2RjMGRhNDI2%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%224e21c3c3-25aa-4be8-a360-0c6e83e005c2%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%221c9d1e49-49c1-41ac-ac22-d35ab4ae1549%22%7d to watch.

Those who are not able to attend, but wish to submit testimony may do so by Sept. 16 by emailing district@alsenate.gov.