Secretary of State Shemia Fagan Announces People’s Commission on Legislative Redistricting

“Today, redistricting is the Legislature’s job. While I am optimistic they will pass a redistricting bill by the September 27 deadline, I owe it to Oregonians to be ready to go if they don’t,” said Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan. “I made a commitment to Oregonians to convene a People’s Commission to advise me on redistricting and that is exactly what I am preparing to do.”

The People’s Commission provides an opportunity for Oregonians, including those with experience working in historically excluded communities, to play a key role in advising Secretary Fagan if the Oregon Constitution requires that she perform legislative redistricting. If convened, the Commissioners will work directly with Secretary Fagan on her commitment to an open public process, including engaging with Oregonians in public hearings and other public education and community engagement opportunities. The Commissioners will attend all public hearings, hear testimony from Oregonians, and advise Secretary Fagan and her staff on redistricting.

Oregonians seeking to serve on Oregon’s People’s Commission must complete the application at the Oregon Secretary of State’s website by September 2nd. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and must be an Oregon resident since at least April 1, 2020. Volunteer Commissioners will serve from September 29 to October 12, 2021.

Diverse voices

“Redistricting matters because representation that reflects you, your family, and your community is the foundation of our democracy.” said Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan. "It is essential to include and engage diverse voices, both through the Commission and other opportunities for public input, to ensure Oregonians’ values and experiences are a part of determining the legislative districts that represent us. The People's Commission will be one of the many opportunities for Oregonians, including those with experience working in historically underserved communities, to provide input if it is necessary for me to fulfill my constitutional role to propose legislative districts."

The Oregon Secretary of State’s mission is to build trust so that Oregonians trust the public services that can make a difference in their everyday lives. The People’s Commission is central to a robust public process that gives Oregonians opportunities to be heard. If redistricting falls to the Secretary of State, we expect orientation for the People’s Commissioners to be September 29th. Public hearings would be held on the following days: