AR SCR8

Arkansas is divided into four congressional districts under Arkansas Code § 7-2-101, with the General Assembly responsible for delineating districts of substantially equal population.

The U.S. Bureau of the Census originally announced redistricting data delivery by March 31, 2021, but delayed the date multiple times and rescheduled delivery to September 30, 2021.

The General Assembly, State Board of Apportionment, counties, and municipalities must establish state congressional districts, legislative districts, county voting units, and municipal wards prior to the 2022 elections.

Census delays will cause financial and practical difficulties for the state and potentially affect citizens' ability to have equal representation based on population distribution.

The Senate urges the United States Congress and President Biden to require the Census Bureau to accelerate delivery of Public Law 94-171 redistricting data to ensure adequate time for redistricting before the 2022 elections, with copies to be delivered to each member of the Arkansas congressional delegation.