Idaho Overview

Redistricting Process: Idaho’s Commission for Reapportionment controls legislative and congressional redistricting. As directed in Title 72, Chapter 15 of the Idaho State Code, the six-member Commission is composed of one designee each from the leaders of both parties of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as one designee by the state chairpersons of each party. The code suggests that the appointing authorities attempt to achieve geographic representation, but it is not legally mandated. Like Alaska and Hawaii, Idaho requires that the members of the Commission for Reapportionment not hold any type of public office. Moreover, the members cannot be registered lobbyists, and must be registered voters.

After the commission is formed, it is required to begin holding meetings throughout the state where any individual citizen can present a redistricting plan. Within 90 days of its creation, the commission must approve a plan with a two-thirds vote. This plan is not subject to approval by the legislature or veto by the governor. Since there are only two congressional districts in Idaho, congressional districting does not generate much controversy in the state.

Governor: Republican Clement "Butch" Otter

Legislature: Republicans control both chambers.

Number of Congressional Seats in 2011: 2 (no change from 2010)

2011 Ideal District Population: 783,791