A shift in Butler County’s population is forcing the Butler County Commission to redraw its district lines.

Figures from the 2010 Census revealed the county’s need to move 148 voters from District 3 to District 4 and 43 voters from District 5 to District 1 in order to keep the district’s populations balanced.

District 2 will remain unchanged.

“I’m pleased that we will be able to accomplish this with minor moves,” Commissioner Frank Hickman said.

“The moves aren’t minor to those affected, but to only move slightly less than 200 people in a county of just under 21,000 isn’t bad.”

According to Butler County attorney Calvin Poole, the redrawing of the district lines is necessary in order to comply with federal and state laws.

“As a single-member district we’re required to have the same number of voters in each district,” Poole said.

“In order to do that, we will have to redraw district lines to get the populations in each of the five districts equal or as close to equal as possible.”

In a population of 21,000 each district should have 4,200 voters.

Poole said all five districts must be within 10 percent of each other in terms of population.

The Butler County Commission will hold a special called meeting Sept. 1 at 8:30 a.m. in regard to its redistricting plan.

“The special meeting will give anyone who objects an opportunity to voice their concerns,” Hickman said.

Existing Population Figures

District 1 – 3,947

District 2 – 4,134

District 3 – 4,487

District 4 – 4,304

District 5 – 4,075

Proposed Population Figures

District 1 – 4,008

District 2 – 4,128

District 3 – 4,393

District 4 – 4,404

District 5 – 4,013