We’ve spent much of the morning looking at redistricting maps handed down yesterday by a special judicial panel and voters will see some changes in Pennington County.

County Auditor, Ken Olson Olson says the city of Goodridge and townships in Eastern Pennington County will see new representation in both the Minnesota House and Senate, with House Representation changing for Silverton, Rocksbury, Silverton and Numedal Township. Instead of being divided into 3 House Districts and 2 Senate Seats, the county will now be represented by 1 Senator – in District 1 – and House Members of Districts 1A and 1B.

Overall, more than one in five Minnesota state legislators were placed in new districts with other incumbents under the new maps issued yesterday by the special 5 Judge Panel. The new boundary lines will “pair” 16 senators and 30 House members, and create 23 open seats with no incumbents – eight in the Senate and 15 in the House, including the new district of 2A in Northwestern Minnesota.

Lawmakers who were paired must decide whether to retire, run against colleagues or move to a more politically inviting district.