2021

Redistricting Public Input Report

SUBMITTED TO THE HOUSE STATE AND FEDERAL REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE 58TH LEGISLATURE

OKLAHOMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES | HOUSE REDISTRICTING OFFICE By law, the Legislature must redraw its districts and congressional boundaries to reflect changes in population every 10 years, immediately following the decennial census.

To facilitate and encourage public input in the redistricting process, the House Redistricting Committee and its regional subcommittees held a series of in person and virtual town halls throughout the state in December 2020 and January 2021. In collaboration with the Oklahoma Senate, there were 20 meetings hosted by staff and lawmakers, 18 in person, two virtual.

Meetings were also livestreamed, when possible, and recorded. House recordings are available to the public to review at https://okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx. Senate town hall footage can be re- watched here: https://oksenate.gov/live-chamber.

All Oklahomans were and are still encouraged to contact their state representative or email the House Redistricting Office at [email protected] to provide feedback on communities of interest, local preferences, and other thoughts on the redistricting process.

For consideration by the House State and Federal Redistricting Committee, this report provides a summary of the feedback received at the town halls and through the House Redistricting Office through September 13, 2021. The report is organized into three sections:

Section 1: Town Hall Notes (pages 2 to 15) Section 2: Local Preference/District Concerns/General Feedback (page 16 to 35) Section 3: Appendix (page 36)

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Oklahoma City House Redistricting Town Hall

Date & Time: December 9, 2020, 5:30 p.m. (1 hour and 25 minute runtime) Recording available: https://okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx

Location: Oklahoma State Capitol, Room 206, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Host: Representative Nicole Miller (HD 82), Rep. Ajay Pittman (HD 99) Chair and Vice-Chair, Oklahoma County Subcommittee

Members Present: Representatives Miller, Pittman, Martinez, Roberts (Eric), Turner, Cruz, Crosswhite-Hader, Stinson, Osburn, Fugate. Joining virtually for the record: Reps. Echols, West, Stark, and Manger.

Estimated Attendance: 30

Questions and comments from the public:

1. Rhonda M., Resident of Edmond, OK, representing the League of Women Voters • Are you accepting public map submissions? Please recognize and acknowledge historically disenfranchised communities when drawing boundary lines. On survey, Rhonda writes that this should be weighted higher than all other redistricting principles.

2. Ray P., Mayor of Jones, OK • I would like all citizens within Jones city limits to be able to vote in Jones and not any other towns (i.e. having to go to Spencer to vote). Jones is currently split by two Senate districts (SD 17 & 48) and two House districts (HD 97 & HD 96) and I request that the community be in one district each. Also, do not split our school district if possible. We need to have integrity in this process and be sure not to return to the time of segregation. Please don’t split Eastern OK County too much. On survey, Mayor Poland writes the communities of interest criteria sounds like segregation.

3. Carol G., President CEO of Choctaw Chamber of Commerce • Small towns are split between several districts. Please keep Nicoma Park and Choctaw (HD 97 & 101) in one district on every level. Having more concentration of our elected officials helps us have better representation. Eastern OK County needs less community splits.

4. Jakky, Resident of Oklahoma County, representing League of Women Voters • Gerrymandering is usually used to quiet the voice of the people; we should use gerrymandering to enhance the voice of the people. Attended the People’s Not Politician training and asked if there was a training regarding the software that the legislature is using to redraw the lines.

5. Jonathon K., Resident of Edmond, OK • Heard a rumor that Oklahoma County is going to receive two additional House seats and would like to know where are they going and how are we going to maintain 101 House seats?

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6. Robert H., Resident of Edmond, OK • Will there be an interactive map for public to see plans? How is the census data received? Where can I get block level data?

7. Marybel C., Resident of Edmond, OK • Why are certain congressional district so large in size compared to others? How can we make sure that districts are drawn appropriately? There is a clear distinction between West Edmond and the Village, and I would like to see that distinction maintained.

8. Robbie W., question submitted via email • Asked to view the map on the easel (population change map by House district). Staff emailed map following the meeting and uploaded the map to the HRO website.

9. Scott H., question submitted via email • Why are we staying at 101 House districts? Is there a reason that district numbers cannot be sequential for neighboring districts? In follow-up email, Scott writes, I don't have an issue with the 101...it just seems like an odd number. Seems we could streamline the numbering system and make district numbers more meaningful. For example: All OKC district are 1-22, all Tulsa districts are 23-35, NW ok is 35 to ?, etc. Just some definition of the numbers would be a good thing.

Staff notes: There is a 1971 Attorney General’s opinion concerning the maximum number of members of the Oklahoma House may have, which suggests 99, 100 or 101 districts is an acceptable number based on a 1964 court case, Reynolds v. State Election Board. Historical records show there have been 101 House districts since the 34th Legislature (1973-1974).

10. Jonathon C., resident of Edmond, OK • Oklahoma County could be its own congressional district. We should make sure that we don’t engage in political gerrymandering. What’s preventing you from using political data in redistricting?

Staff notes: Please see table for estimated population growth by congressional district and other factors. Political data such as election returns and voter registration data is not part of the House’s redistricting database.

Population Ideal 2011 2019 Population Growth District Deviation % Growth Population Estimate (2010-2019) Population from Ideal (2010-2019)

CD1 750,270 801,857 51,587 786,574 15,283 6.88%

CD2 750,270 748,847 (1,423) 786,574 (37,727) -0.19%

CD3 750,270 778,159 27,889 786,574 (8,415) 3.72%

CD4 750,270 786,723 36,453 786,574 149 4.86%

CD5 750,271 817,284 67,013 786,574 30,710 8.93%

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Tulsa House Redistricting Town Hall

Date & Time: December 10, 2020, 7:00 p.m. (41 minute runtime) Recording available: https://okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx

Location: Tulsa Technology Center-Riverside Campus, Auditorium, 801 E 91st Street, Tulsa, OK 74132

Host: Rep. Sheila Dills (HD 69) and Rep. Monroe Nichols (HD 72), Chair and Vice-Chair, Tulsa County Subcommittee

Members Present: Representatives Dills, Nichols, Boatman, Rogers, O’Donnell, May, Davis; Senator Rader

Estimated Attendance: 27

Questions and comments from the public:

1. Mike W., resident of Tulsa • Can you talk about congressional districts that will be drawn?

2. Alvin O., resident of Tulsa • How do you plan to manage public input received at town halls? Can you talk about the guidelines used for redistricting and whether those criteria are ranked? The voting distance for some precincts in Washington County are too large.

3. Tommy Y, resident of Tulsa • Neighborhood lines change more than district lines, why are some districts still relatively the same shape over time, referencing HD 99 from the PPT as an example?

4. Terry F., resident of Jenks • What is the software you are using for redistricting? Who draws the precinct lines? How are precincts numbered?

Staff note: Tulsa County election staff was in attendance and clarified they have the authority to renumber precincts.

5. Michael A., resident of Jenks • What kind of public information should we expect between the end of the public meetings and when the legislation enacts plans for redistricting? I really like the way my House district (68) is shaped.

Staff notes: Follow up comment not on recording. I would be better represented by somebody who also represents a more urban/suburban area rather than somebody that represents a largely exurban/rural area. Please keep precinct 420 in Creek County (Jenks precinct) in a district that has urban/suburban leanings as it currently is. Asked that the same be considered for any Senate plan (i.e SD 37).

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McAlester House Redistricting Town Hall

Date & Time: December 16, 2020, 6:30 p.m. (31 minutes runtime) Recording available: https://okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx

Location: JI Stipes Center, 801 N. 9th Street, McAlester, OK 74501

Host: Rep. Randy Randleman (HD 15) and Rep. Jim Grego (HD 17), Chair and Vice-Chair, Southeast Oklahoma Subcommittee

Members Present: Representatives Frix, Randleman, Grego, Smith

Estimated Attendance: 14

Questions and comments from the public:

1. John B., Mayor of McAlester • I would like McAlester to remain split between two districts (HD 17 & HD 18).

2. Rep. Jim Grego, House District 17 • How are county commissioner districts drawn?

3. Resident of McAlester • How does the census avoid double counting you (i.e. vacation homes, vacant homes, second homes)?

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Lane House Redistricting Town Hall

Date & Time: January 5, 2021, 6:30 p.m. (35 minutes runtime) Recording available: https://okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx

Location: Bill Coben Community Center, 650 S Iron Stob Rd, Lane, OK 74555

Host: Rep. Randy Randleman (HD 15), Southeast Oklahoma Subcommittee Chair, and Rep. J.J. Humphrey (HD 19)

Members Present: Speaker McCall, Representatives Randleman & Humphrey

Estimated Attendance: 21

Questions and comments from the public:

1. Rep. JJ Humphrey, House District 19 • Does the census information affect county commissioner districts? Will the McGirt ruling affect the Legislature’s redistricting work?

2. Pushmataha County Commissioner, follow up question not on recording • Asked about population change in Pushmataha County and for assistance with redistricting commissioner districts.

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Chandler House Redistricting Town Hall

Date & Time: January 6, 2021 6:30 p.m. (38 minutes runtime) Recording available: https://okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx

Location: Route 66 Interpretative Center, 400 E 1st St, Chandler, OK 74834

Host: Rep. Ty Burns (HD 35) and Rep. John Talley (HD 33), Chair and Vice-Chair, North Central Oklahoma Subcommittee

Members Present: Representatives Burns, Talley, Wallace, Caldwell (Chad), Luttrell, Pfeiffer, Hilbert

Estimated Attendance: 15

Questions and comments from the public:

1. Resident of Chandler, involved with Developmental Disabilities Council • For those with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder, we need our voices heard. Where do we fall in this process so that we are better represented at the Capitol?

2. Resident of Chandler, follow up comment not on recording • Please keep rural districts rural. We do not want someone from Edmond representing Lincoln County.

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Tahlequah House Redistricting Town Hall

Date & Time: January 7, 7:00 p.m. (50 minutes runtime) Recording available: https://okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx

Location: Northeastern State University, Webb Auditorium, 612 N. Grand, Tahlequah, OK 74464

Host: Representative Jim Olsen (HD 2) and Rep. Rusty Cornwell (HD 6), Chair and Vice-Chair, Northeast Oklahoma Subcommittee

Members Present: Representatives Bashore, Culver, West (Josh), West (Rick), Cornwell, Stearman, Hardin (David), Lepak, Frix, Gann, Sneed, Olsen; Senators Stephens, Allen, Pemberton.

Estimated Attendance: 28

Questions and comments from the public:

1. Jimmy H, Resident of Muskogee County • Stop the current cheating! Stop the total gerrymandering of all Oklahoma districts. Redraw lines back where they were prior to the 2010 /2011 gerrymandering. Start over with the pre- cheating lines. Appoint an independent panel of judges to oversee and assure continued fairness. [Please see appendix for full comments]

2. Josh, Field Representative for Congressman Markwayne Mullins • Where can I find more information and maps of the population changes by districts?

3. Muskogee County Commissioners Payne and Doak and Mayor of Muskogee, Marlon C., follow up question not on recording • Asked about population estimates for Muskogee County and Muskogee city and asked for assistance with redrawing commissioner districts and municipal ward boundaries.

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Lawton House Redistricting Town Hall

Date & Time: January 11, 6:30 p.m. (48 minutes runtime) Recording available: https://okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx

Location: Comanche County Farm Bureau, B, 4710, 502 SW 11th St, Lawton, OK 73501

Host: Representative Trey Caldwell (HD 63) and Rep. Toni Hasenbeck (HD 60), Chair and Vice- Chair, Southwest Oklahoma Subcommittee

Members Present: Representatives Caldwell, Hasenbeck, Kendrix, Pae, Boles, McEntire, Lowe (Dick); Senator Montgomery

Estimated Attendance: 35

Questions and comments from the public:

1. Resident of Lawton • Do you have any specific plans for the Southwest region when it concerns redistricting? Specifically, is there a plan to redraw Senate District 31 to put Lawton in one senate seat, given that Lawton is losing population?

2. Former State Representative Don Arms • Offered comments and perspective regarding the 2011 redistricting process, and his experience as Chair of the Southern Oklahoma subcommittee at the time.

3. Resident of Lawton • What is the priority, population or compactness? When is the earliest that we will have a preliminary map to view? My concern is that urban areas are being cut up to fill out rural areas.

4. Resident of Lawton • Can I get some feedback on what the representatives would like to see come out of this redistricting process and their vision for rural Oklahoma and Southwest Oklahoma? Does or how will redistricting affect state funding?

5. Rep. Marcus McEntire, House District 50 • We’ve lost population in Southwest Oklahoma over the years. What is the likelihood that the Southwest region loses a seat?

6. Resident of Lawton • When I first heard about redistricting, I heard about a formula where you look at the percentage of rural area and percentage of urban areas to draw districts. Is my understanding correct or does population drive those changes?

7. Resident of Lawton • To what extent does political coloration (red or blue) impact redistricting?

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8. Resident of Lawton, • Can you recap the current ideal district population for House and Senate districts based on the current estimates?

9. Resident of Lawton, follow up question not on recording • Are noncitizens counted in the Census and how is that applicable for redistricting?

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Ardmore House Redistricting Town Hall

Date & Time: January 12, 6:00 p.m. (30 minutes runtime) Recording available: https://okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx

Location: Southern Oklahoma Technology Center, Conference Room A, 2610 Sam Noble Pkwy, Ardmore, OK 73401

Host: Representative Townley (HD 48) and Rep. Johns (HD 25), Chair and Vice-Chair, South Central Oklahoma Subcommittee

Members Present: Representatives Townley, Johns, Kerbs, Roe, Hardin, Sterling

Estimated Attendance: 16

Questions and comments from the public:

None recorded at the microphone.

1. Marshall County Commissioner and other residents, follow up question not on recording • Requested that Marshall County remain whole within one district as it currently is and asked for assistance with redrawing county commissioner districts.

Staff notes: Currently, Marshall County is wholly represented by HD 49.

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Woodward House Redistricting Town Hall

Date & Time: January 13, 6:00 p.m. (48 minutes runtime) Recording available: https://okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx

Location: High Plains Technology Center, Seminar Center, 3921 34th St, Woodward, OK 73801

Host: Representative Carl Newton (HD 58) and Rep. Hill (HD 47), Chair and Vice-Chair, Northwest Oklahoma Subcommittee

Members Present: Representatives Newton, Hill, Dobrinski, Moore, Crosswhite-Hader, Patzkowsky

Estimated Attendance: 22

Questions and comments from the public:

1. Resident of Woodward • Will Northwest Oklahoma retain the same number of seats in the House? • Can you go through your plans for specific districts in the Northwest region, how much each district is short and how those may change? • Is there a possibility that Southwest Oklahoma may lose a seat?

2. Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky, House District 61 • Where we are short on population in certain areas, is the +/- 3% population deviation limit doable and how did that vary in the past?

3. Resident of Woodward • Can you go over the population change in District 41, 40 and the Enid area?

4. Resident of Woodward • In this part of the state, needing to gain a few thousand could mean picking up an entire county in a district, any insight into what that could look like?

5. Canadian County Commissioner Marc Hader • I’ve attended three to four of these town halls now and one of the interesting things I heard is that citizens can submit their own maps to the Legislature. Can you talk a little more about that process?

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Joint House & Senate Virtual Redistricting Town Hall

Date & Time: December 21, 2020, 6:00 p.m. (39 minutes runtime) Recording available: https://okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx

Location: Microsoft Teams, https://okhouse.gov/Publications/VirtualMeets.aspx

Members Present: Representatives Boles, Lawson; Senators Brooks, Kirt

Estimated Attendance: 25

Questions and comments from the public:

1. Dale G. • Will this be available as a recording to view later?

2. Owen U., resident of Canadian County • I live a couple miles from multiple district lines (i.e. CD 3, 4, & 5 and HD 47 & SD 47). Who is the best person to contact once census figures are out to request that there be more continuity in district boundaries?

3. Rep. Mark Lawson, House District 30 • Can go you over some of the historical redistricting guidelines that the Legislature has followed in the past? I wanted to point out that redistricting is not done arbitrarily. There is a historical framework of rules and guidelines that the Legislature follows in this process.

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Joint House & Senate Virtual Redistricting Town Hall

Date & Time: January 25, 2020, 6:00 p.m. (1 hour, 40 minutes) Recording available: https://okhouse.gov/Video/Default.aspx

Location: Microsoft Teams, https://okhouse.gov/Publications/VirtualMeets.aspx

Members Present: Rep. Martinez, Wolfey, Lawson; Sen. Kirt

Estimated Attendance: 67

Questions and comments from the public:

1. Beth • Has heard that party affiliation is not a factor when redistricting. If we don’t consider party affiliation, how can we prevent noncompetitive districts? Not clear on how fairness to political groups (as a redistricting criteria) is factored if we are not factoring in party affiliation data.

2. Amy L. • Our districts are very gerrymandered now and that leaves a lot of us without fair representation. What is being done to prevent gerrymandering in the redistricting process? How do you rate input from citizens when redrawing maps?

3. Andy M. • Appreciate the virtual town halls. This is a benefit Oklahoma has over other states. When will the parameters for the public map submission be released? Do you have an idea of how much time the public will have to review proposed maps before they are voted on? Also, what format will be they released in for the public to view? Will public maps submissions be made public as well? Are there any thoughts on adding more virtual town halls?

4. Shaun K. L. • Is either committee considering legislation to count incarcerated populations at their last known address (i.e. reallocating prisoner population) for redistricting?

5. Stacie J. • What are the specifics of submitting a map? Are you recommending that we use an open source program for map submissions, and will it give us access to the most updated census data?

6. John B. • What is a political unit (boundary)?

7. GA State Legislature Rep. Jackson • Are you considering a neutral non-political group (possibly one outside of Oklahoma) to evaluate and review plans proposed by the Legislature? How much public education and awareness is needed to really get the public engaged in this process?

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8. Jim R. • What is Oklahoma’s estimated population growth rate compared to the national growth rate at this time? Where does Oklahoma sit as far as gaining or losing a congressional seat?

9. Beth • Do you know of or are you working with any political scientists from our local universities (OU, OSU) to utilize their expertise for redistricting? I have heard that some districts won’t be touched. One downside to districts not being redrawn is that minority voters could be packed in a district and that could lead to minorities being underrepresented. How do you evaluate that?

10. Rebecca G. • Are there any provisions in the newly adopted rules and guidelines to promote equity for underrepresented populations? Specifically, are there new provisions to help address the inequities that have existed before for minorities, people of color, ethnic populations?

11. Mark H. • Are there any plans in place or do you know of any Oklahoma based entities and individuals that will be conducting statistical analysis on the census data to check its accuracy?

12. Jakky, League of Women Voters OKC • Do you consider where the voting polls are located within the voting precincts when redrawing the lines? There are residents of HD 99 that feel like the current lines were drawn in a way that encouraged businesses to move away from the east side of the district (36th and Kelly area) to the north side of the district.

13. Sherri D., Resident of HD 99 • How do we provide communities with information about how to advocate for proper representation and transparency to make sure we are not further marginalized or disenfranchised during redistricting? Are there plans to hold off on making decisions around redistricting until possible changes in census data are resolved (referencing revoked executive order to exclude noncitizens from the apportionment count)? Sherri also referenced a lawsuit that addresses the way unhoused persons are counted.

14. Stacie J. • Is public feedback going to be a made available so we can see what questions have been asked?

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Local preferences and specific district concerns voiced at House & Senate town halls and via email, calls and House contact page

Note: some comments were consolidated/paraphrased for clarity

South Central Region

1. Jim E., President & CEO of the Ada Jobs Foundation at Ada Town Hall on 12/08/2020

It is incredibly effective for economic development purposes to have a House district that aligns with our county boundaries (Pontotoc County). There are real economic benefits for keeping legislative districts in our area aligned with the county boundaries.

Staff notes: HD 25 is the only House district that is wholly comprised of a single county, Pontotoc County. Prior to redistricting in 2011, Pontotoc County was represented by three House districts (HD 20, 22, 25)

County District Population %

Pontotoc OK 25 37,492 100.0

2. Durant resident at Durant Town Hall on 1/12/2021

How can we ensure that the city of Durant and Bryan County stays whole?

Staff notes: At this time, estimates show that Bryan County (2019 est. 47,995) has too much population to be wholly represented by just one district. Currently, Durant city is entirely within HD 21. Please see table for % breakdown on how Bryan County population is split b/w districts.

County District Population %

Bryan OK 19 5,081 12.0

Bryan OK 21 37,335 88.0

3. Marshall County Commissioner and other residents at Ardmore Town Hall on 1/12/2021

Request to keep Marshall County whole in one district.

Staff notes: Currently, Marshall County is wholly represented by HD 49.

County District Population %

Marshall OK 49 15,840 100.0

4. Lynn D, Oklahoma City resident via email

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Our neighborhood Association (Brookwood) is split between district 91 and 54 currently would be nice if everyone from SW 89th to SW 104th between Walker and Western were all in the same district.

Southwest Region

4. Numerous constituents emailed re: Chickasha, HD 56 As you look at redistricting, please consider keeping Chickasha in District 56 – Cassandra E.

Chickasha belongs in Rep Dick Lowe’s District 56. We do not need a different representative; we just got him and like him. – Tim E.

Chickasha is the heart of district 56 and we need to be there after redistricting. – Rick J.

5. Jacobi C., Lawton Resident, Oklahoma Policy Institute

My concern is the south side of lawton! For over 10 years both historical black neighborhoods have been gentrified and split into 2 house districts. They should be put into 64 and given the opportunity for those neighborhoods to have adequate representation!

Northwest Region

6. Tuttle resident at Chickasha Town Hall on 12/10/2020

Will the Legislature take into account local political subdivisions? City of Tuttle is not that big of a city but is split between three House districts (HD 47, 51, 56). Please keep communities together when possible.

Staff notes: HD 56 includes a very small section of the current Tuttle city boundaries; however, Tuttle city was not considered to be within the boundaries of HD 56 when redistricting last occurred. Please see table for % breakdown on how Tuttle city population is split b/w districts.

City/Town District Population %

Tuttle OK 47 5,114 85.0

Tuttle OK 51 905 15.0

7. Candace S., Yukon re: Yukon and HD 60 via email

I live within Yukon city limits as well as own a business within such. My father, Ray Lee Davis, who was a longtime Yukon resident and business owner was killed on November 24, 2019 at State Highway 66 & Banner Road. Since my father's death, I've had the pleasure of working with Representative Baker regarding necessary safety improvements to this dangerous intersection. It seems feasible for all of Yukon to be her district considering she lives within our community and was a longtime Yukon Public School teacher. Representative Baker is a very well-respected citizen of Yukon and does anything she can for the betterment of the community in which she lives. I respectfully request consideration be made to redistrict all of Yukon so our community will have one

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Representative to reach out to and know this community would best be served by a fellow Yukon resident.

8. Numerous Yukon constituents emailed re: Yukon and HD 43 via email

As a life long resident and active community member of Yukon, I am very opposed to the idea of splitting Yukon into several house districts. We have strived for many years to unite Yukon and work together to make a stronger community. Today we enjoy a fast growing town with a wonderful hospital, strong commercial base and excellent schools. Please consider leaving the Yukon area as it is with great representation we enjoy currently with Mr. Steagall. – Raymond W.

I am writing as a resident of Yukon, Oklahoma, and noted with interest the current discussions involving consideration of new district lines being drawn per the census. I realize there are restrictions on populations, geographic sizes, contiguous needs etc, in drawing the maps, and wanted to be sure that the committee acknowledges the benefit of having the city of Yukon continue to be one district represented by State Representative Jay Steagall and all that he has done for the citizens and the state. Our town is fairly close knit with many unique programs, events, and charity groups that Representative Steagall is personally involved with. To break up his area would hamper his devotion to the community. Thank you for your time and for the opportunity to let you know how the voting citizens feel. – Linda R.

I am writing as a resident of Yukon, Oklahoma. I am concerned about the current discussions involving consideration of new district lines being drawn per the census. I realize there are many things to consider, but we wanted to strongly and respectfully request from the committee that the city of Yukon continue with our State Representative Jay Steagall. His representation has had a great and positive impact on the people of our small community. I am confident in saying that Representative Steagall remaining in Yukon for our tight-knit city would be of the majority consensus. – Tony and Rhonda K.

I am writing as a resident of Yukon, Oklahoma, and noted with interest the current discussions involving consideration of new district lines being drawn per the census. I would request that the city of Yukon continue to benefit from the great service that our State Representative Jay Steagall has given. Representative Steagall represents us well, and I’m sure I speak for many who would not wish to lose his representation for our city. – Treva H. and family

My wife and I are residents of Yukon. She has lived here her whole life and I am a recent transfer to Yukon of 8 years! We plan on living here the rest of our lives. I recently learned of the current discussions regarding the redistricting plan for the 43rd House District and I understand this is a regular consideration. I wanted to request that the City of Yukon continue to be represented in the most unified and contiguous manner. I realize there are restrictions on populations, geographic sizes, contiguous needs etc, in drawing the maps, and wanted to be sure that the committee is aware that my family and I would request that the city of Yukon continue to benefit from the great service that our State Representative Jay Steagall has given. Our town is a distinct community founded by Czech immigrants and has developed into a very tight-knit community. We have a wonderful community that is best served by representation in the House that is focused on the distinctions of our city and not divided by concerns of other communities. Representative Steagall is engaged in the Yukon

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I am writing as a resident of Yukon, Oklahoma, and noted with interest the current discussions involving consideration of new district lines being drawn per the census. I realize there are restrictions on populations, geographic sizes, contiguous needs etc, in drawing the maps, and wanted to be sure that the committee is aware that my family and I would request that the city of Yukon continue to benefit from the great service that our State Representative Jay Steagall has given. Our town is close-knit, and have several items that add to our uniqueness from the Iron Thistle Scottish community event to the Czech Festival to many charitable pursuits such as Manna Pantry that he is actively involved with. Representative Steagall represents us well and I’m sure I speak for many who would not wish to lose his representation for our city. –Dan and Sherri R.; Barry and Cheri R.; Genie V.; Julia S.

Please let the members of the Redistricting Committee know that as a resident of Yukon I am concerned about how the redistricting might affect Yukon and our representation. I would like them to know that I am very happy with the work you have put into our community and how you represent our needs. I understand that there are many factors that go into redistricting, but none of that will matter if I lose someone I trust as my State Representative. For all you do and will do for us I would request that you stay the Representative of our area. – Robert R.

9. Numerous constituents emailed re: Elk City, HD 55 & HD 57

There is a small portion of Beckham County that has been annexed into District 57 for voting purposes. The rest of the county is in District 55. This includes part of Elk City, Oklahoma. It makes sense to have all of Elk City in the same district. Please move this area back to District 55 – Donnie and Beverly J.

Please redistrict all of Elk City to #55 – Amy R.

As the state looks at the lines of each of our house districts, please address district 55 and 57 to place all of Elk City into House District 55. We would like to see Elk City consolidated back into one district: House District 55 – Katie A.

Elk City needs to all be in one district. House District 55. – Any S.

As you look into redistricting throughout the state this year, please give careful consideration to district 55. As Mayor of Elk City, myself and a vast number of constituents would like to see our city consolidated into one district: District 55. As the districts are plotted please unite our city and county by closing off Beckham County to one district – Nick A.

Hoping to see Beckham County House and Senate district lines returned to a more traditional format. Specifically, as they pertain to Elk City! – Dean S.

I would like to see Elk City consolidated back into one district: House District 55. It’s absolutely absurd that we are split. – Utah R.

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Redistricting the house seats so The city of Elk City will be represented by one person. We should not be split!! – Galeard R.

I would like to start with just a brief history. For many years, this area was represented by Percy Walker. When he termed out, his seat was repurposed into a seat in another area, taking away what little western Oklahoma representation we have. His seat, our town of Elk City, was divided between Todd Russ, District 055 and Harold Wright District 057. The biggest town in western Oklahoma was divided primarily right down third street, dividing the town economically, professionally, socially. The two representatives did not work as a team for Elk City; indeed 1/2 + 1/2 did not make a whole with much more emphasis given to other areas. Currently our representative is Anthony Moore from Clinton for District 057; Todd Russ will continue to represent district 055 until his term ends. You have an opportunity to correct this situation with the new house redistricting plan. Please consider leaving the representive's seat in western Oklahoma and not dividing Elk City. – Jim C. Staff notes: Please see table for % breakdown of how Elk City population is split b/w districts.

City/Town District Population %

Elk City OK 55 6,494 55.5

Elk City OK 57 5,199 44.5

10. Numerous constituents emailed re: Hinton, HD 55

It is my personal belief as a 12 year member of the Board of Trustees and former Mayor of the Town of Hinton that it is in the best interest of the Citizens of the Hinton area to again be a part of a primarily rural district of District 55. We are a RURAL community that is best served by RURAL representation at the State Capitol. – Shelly N.

PLEASE hear my desire for HINTON, OK to return to District 55. We LOVE Rhonda Baker, our current District 60 representative, BUT this is NOT about personal interests. This redistricting is about what is BEST for our community for the next 10 years!! We are a small town and rural community. We are blessed to have close access to I-40 to help our small Town continue to grow, BUT we are and want to remain a rural area. Those of us that live in RURAL OKLAHOMA are very aware of the decreasing representation we have at the State Capital. PLEASE to not further isolate us!! District 55 is the rural representation that we need. – Shelly N.

I am requesting that Hinton be redistricted back to district 55 that we may join with our rural neighbors for like kind representation. If left in 60 then our vote pales to that of El Reno and Yukon. If 55 goes away by piecing it out then we have lost our rural representation. – Dean S.

Staff notes: Currently, Hinton city boundaries are entirely within HD 60.

North Central Region

11. Pawhuska and Osage County resident at Ponca City Town Hall on 1/14/2021

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Pawhuska is currently split between two House districts (HD 36 and 37). Pawhuska and some of your rural cities (constituent also named Fairfax in testimony) need to be made whole. We need to be able to have a community where we can talk about things and have our representative come in and make a difference. We have a representative who can’t get near our community because he doesn’t have to and we have a representative who is not responsible to us for his vote. Additionally, six separate House districts (HD 10, 35, 36, 37, 66, 73) have a part of Osage County, but they are reliant on bigger areas outside Osage County to elect.

Staff notes: Fairfax city boundaries are split between two HD’s districts; however, 100 percent of the population of Fairfax was allocated to HD 36 when redistricting last occurred. Please see table for % breakdown on how Pawhuska, Fairfax and Osage County population is split b/w districts.

City/Town District Population %

Fairfax OK 36 1,380 100.0

Fairfax OK 37 0 0.0

Pawhuska OK 36 780 21.8

Pawhuska OK 37 2,804 78.2

County District Population %

Osage OK 10 2,171 4.6

Osage OK 35 1,471 3.1

Osage OK 36 28,669 60.4

Osage OK 37 7,558 15.9

Osage OK 66 1,338 2.8

Osage OK 73 6,265 13.2

12. Karen E., HD 41 resident at Enid Town Hall on 1/21/2021.

Rep. Crosswhite Hader does an excellent job of representing the district; however, HD 41 does not make sense the way it is drawn geographically. Perhaps it has been drawn that way to keep rural representation, which is important, but I wanted to make a point that it is important to us that the districts make sense, and that the person who’s voted in has a chance to represent the people that are within it.

13. Diana H., resident of Sapulpa re: HD 30 via email

Until 2010, I resided in House District 30, which had encompassed all of Sapulpa. I am hoping that the areas of Sapulpa that were carved out into House District 29 will be reunited in House District 30 after this year’s redistricting process. For the last several years, I have reached out to the Representative from House District 30 with questions and comments, mainly because I encounter Representative Lawson regularly. As a Sapulpa

21 | P a g e resident, I also work, shop, worship, and play in the Sapulpa community. It makes the most sense to have a Representative who also lives, works, and worships in my community.

Communities of interest, preservation of historic boundaries (House District 30 prior to 2010), and preservation of political subdivisions are tenets by which the redistricting committee should comply. Returning all parts of Sapulpa to House District 30 would satisfy these tenets and provide residents of Sapulpa with a Representative who closer represents their values.

Staff notes: Please see table for % breakdown of how Sapulpa population is split b/w districts.

City/Town District Population %

Sapulpa OK 29 1,512 7.4

Sapulpa OK 30 18,967 92.3

Sapulpa OK 68 65 0.3

14. Craig H, mayor of Sapulpa re: HD 30 and city of Sapulpa via email

Sapulpa has long been the core of House District 30, please preserve the city limits of Sapulpa (please see appendix for full comments)

15. Carla G, Vice-Mayor of Sapulpa re: HD 30 and Sapulpa Ward 2 via email

Please restore all of Sapulpa Ward 2 in the same House district. (please see appendix for full comments)

16. Brian K, Stillwater resident re: Stillwater and HD 33 via email

We want to express our desire to be included in a district with the rest of Stillwater. We live in the city limits and want to be in the same district as our friends and community neighbors. We know very few people in rural Payne County and have little in common politically with many of those folks.

We are part of a small slice of an urban population in District 33, and are heavily outweighed by a very conservative rural population. We are fortunate to be represented by John Talley, who takes thoughtful positions on issues. Our society has become extremely polarized and we may not be as fortunate after the next election if we remain in District 33 as currently constituted. If Stillwater must be split to balance populations in districts, at least consider splitting it in two rather than three.

Staff notes: Stillwater’s estimated population (2019 est. 50,299) is too large to be wholly in one House district. Please see table for % breakdown of how Stillwater population is split b/w districts.

City/Town District Population %

Stillwater OK 33 8,412 18.0

Stillwater OK 34 36,915 80.8

Stillwater OK 35 559 1.2

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17. Jane M., resident of Logan County re: HD 32 and Logan County via email

You have NO idea how angry we have been since we had our local polling place taken away from us and thrown into a county we have NO relationship with and then a state rep. who didn't even know he represented us. My state Rep. that I campaigned for and had listened and worked for us was in Logan County. NOTHING has improved in the years since we were redistricted.

18. Numerous residents of Perkins re: HD 33 and the City of Perkins

Please do not take Perkins out of House District 33. We are so much more aligned with Stillwater and Payne County than Chandler and Lincoln County. A large number of Perkins residents work, shop and go to college in Stillwater. We need to remain in House District #33. Thank you! -Virginia Sasser

Hello, I understand that the plans are that Perkins be moved out of District 33 (Payne County) and into District 32 (Lincoln County). Perkins has been in District 33 for many, many years. We are located nine miles south of the Payne County seat (Stillwater) and a high percentage of our citizens work, shop, and worship in Stillwater. I am concerned that a representative from Lincoln County won't give two hoots about what the people of Perkins think. I think it's important that we are kept where we've been for so many years. Thank you for taking the time to read my message. - Rashel Carnefix

As a Perkins resident, I prefer to stay in House Dist 33 where the majority of Payne County is. Many of us who live in Perkins work in Stillwater - there's a common interest there and we want to keep our communities aligned. The area between Perkins and Stillwater is progressive and growing. Moving Perkins into a district (Dist 32) where the focus is largely Lincoln County does not benefit our thriving community at all. - Kendra Moreland

I have been a resident of Perkins for many years and feel it is best to leave Perkins in it’s current district. I’m currently a Bank branch president in Perkins and served 15 years as a branch president in District 32. The actions and desires are much different in 32 compared to 33. Perkins wishes can be better represented by the same representation in the rest of Payne County. Please reconsider and leave Perkins in district 33. Thanking you in advance. - Bill Sasser

Would like to stay in fist 33. - Debbie Williams

This is Bobby Simma from Perkins here; my wife Dayna and I along with our parents, James and Mignonne Tadlock and Ann Simma Decker who are all residents of Perkins, send our request that Perkins be left in House District 33 when house district boundary lines are redrawn in October. - Bobby Simma

I would like to take a minute to encourage you to leave Perkins in district 33. I own a pharmacy in Perkins and have enjoyed a very good relationship with Rep. Talley. Although I am certain the Representative from 34 would do a great job, I would miss the personal relationship Rep Talley has cultivated within our community. He is a fine mine and it is awesome to see him at various functions in our town supporting our teachers and businesses.I implore you to please reconsider the possible change that would move us out of his and into 34.

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Thank you for your consideration. - Steve Myers

Being removed from Dist. 33 under John Talley and placed in House District 32. We are opposed to Perkins being removed from District 33 and placed in District 32. We are more Aligned in Stillwater in Payne County than rural Lincoln County. - Ken and Marilyn Price

I am writing to voice concerns of the redistricting. Please reconsider keeping Perkins in District 33 under Rep John Talley. I think that would best suit out little town. He has represented us well and we would like to keep it that way!! Thank you for your consideration in this matter. - M B

We are both registered voters and residents of Perkins . We want to continue to be represented in House District 33 and John Talley as our state representative. Please reconsider this change and leave Perkins in House District 33. - Douglas L. Carlson & Lisa M. Owen

Dear Committee Members, thank you for honorably serving the citizens of Oklahoma. Your task at hand is important and I know you will work diligently to properly represent the citizens by whom you were elected.

As you consider redistricting house districts OK-32 and OK-33, please consider that you will do a disservice to residents of the City of Perkins if you draw the boundaries of OK-32 to include Perkins.

Currently, OK-32 includes rural Logan and Lincoln counties and the communities of Agra, Carney, Chandler, Davenport, Fallis, Kendrick, Meeker, Meridian, Prague, Sparks, Stroud, Tryon, Warwick and Wellston. While each of these communities is desirable to its residents for myriad reasons, the City of Perkins is vastly different than any community listed.

First, Perkins is more closely related Stillwater than to any community in OK-32. A significant majority of Perkins residents commute to Stillwater for work, medical care and shopping. Perkins is growing by leaps and bounds, with more than 50 new homes being built inside city limits in 2021. Perkins must be represented by someone having a vested interest in the Perkins, Stillwater and Cushing communities, in population growth, in community transit, and one who is willing to fight for our community at the Capitol.

Placing Perkins in OK-32 would place Perkins in a district of communities with little in common, and would place Perkins under the representation of a representative best suited to serve smaller, more rural towns with different legislative needs than Perkins. The communities of OK-32 deserve representation that knows them best, and Perkins would be an outlier in that district.

As you consider redistricting, please remember that Perkins is a stand out community, far more closely connected to Stillwater and Cushing than to even Tryon with whom we share our public school. Perkins is a community on the rise and deserves to be recognized as such. Perkins is positioned for tremendous population growth in the next decade and should be represented by an elected official that is best equipped to serve larger towns, growing communities, and simply does not fit with rural Logan or Lincoln counties.

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Similarly, should you include Perkins in OK-32, rural district residents will be subject to the votes of two large communities in Chandler and Perkins, with whom the ideals of smaller, more rural towns may not equally align. As it stands, Chandler votes dominate elections in OK-32 and including Perkins in that district will shift voting power further away from the rural balance of that district as currently drawn.

Members, please consider redrawing OK-32 to include additional rural communities farther south rather than crossing the Cimarron. Chip away at population growth in OK-33 by shifting the eastern boundary of the district in or by shifting the southwest corner of OK-33 up to include Langston and Coyle, or both as population needs determine. Whatever you decide, please keep Perkins in OK- 33.

Thank you again for your service. - Aaron Box

Good Morning, I am writing to respectfully request that Perkins is not redistricted to Lincoln County. As I live in Perkins, and work in Stillwater, like many others, our relationship with Payne county is very important to me. I have had limited dealings with Lincoln county and none were pleasant. Our being the home of Pistol Pete (Frank Eaton) makes more sense being in Payne county due to his association with OSU. Please reconsider this decision for the better of our community. Thank you for your time. - Meg O’Laughlin

Yes, I am requesting that Perkins remain in House District 33. We are proud of the fine work that Rep. Talley is doing for our district, and we'd hate to loose him as Our representative. Please let Perkins in District 33. Thank you. - Eric Lovelace

We request that Perkins remain in House District 33. We do not like the proposal that we be moved to district 32. We like where we are, and wish to remain that way. Eric Lovelace, Perkins Lions Club Treasurer

Please keep Perkins in District 33. - Jon and Judy Bartram

As a resident of Perkins, I am totally against being moved to House District 32. All of our banking, grocery shopping, medical care and dining out is done in House district 33, mostly in Stillwater. We appreciate greatly the job that representative John Talley has done for us and want to keep him as our representative. We have no association with Lincoln County and don't believe it is in the best interest of our community to be moved to House district 32. Hopefully, you will reconsider this move and leave Perkins where it belongs. - Linda L. Carlson

Living in Perkins, an overwhelming number of people in our community are actively involved in the Stillwater community for work, for commerce, and for medical care. It has been comforting to be represented in the state house by some from Stillwater. The next most active town Perkins people interact with is Cushing. Cushing is staying in district 33. Keep Perkins area in district 33. Thank you. - Katrina Jarvis

The current move to place Perkins into the Lincoln County District 32 for State Representative would mean moving a community that has always been represented by one of the Payne County (33)

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Representatives. I pray that this move is reconsidered and Perkins is allowed to remain in District 33. We love our representatives and do not want to change. If Perkins is moved to the District 32, we will be the only community not located in Lincoln County and that could mean we do not matter. Please amend the map to leave Perkins in District 33. - Robert Ernst

The town of Perkins would prefer to remain in house district 33. We are a Payne County community and have more in common with our fellow Payne County residents. -Tom Osbee

To Whom It May Concern, my name is Rhonda Jolliff and I am a proud resident of Perkins. I have just read that you are wanting to move us(Perkins) out of District 33 and into 32. First of all, shame on you!!! The House Representatives we have had and currently have done great things for Perkins. John Talley has really done a great deal for our town!!!!! If you move us, we'll be forgotten by the District 32 Representative!! Because Lincoln County has never cared for the Southern part of Payne County. JUST LEAVE WELL ENOUGH ALONE & LET JOHN TALLEY CONTINUE TO BE OUR REPRESENTATIVE!!!!! - Rhonda L. Jolliff

I understand that the redistricting plan for House District 33 is for Perkins to be removed from this District and placed in District 32, with Lincoln County. I ADAMENTLY OPPOSE THIS MOVE. We here at Perkins are strongly tied in every way to Payne County, the Stillwater Area, Cushing and District 33. I am especially tied to medical care there as well as everything from shopping to educational venues, legal assistance, social connections and easy access to the Payne County Courthouse. I have no connections at all in Lincoln County. Also, our District Representative, John Talley is one of the best District Representatives I have ever had and I strongly wish to keep him and our current District 33. - Jo Ann Teter, Perkins, OK

Dear Redistricting Committee, my name is Sherry Stanley. I am a registered voter and I exercise my voting privileges.The purpose for writing today is to voice my concerns for Perkins being redistricted from House District #33 into House District #32. I voted for Representative John Talley. I do not know him personally but I am familiar with him and his views of different issues. I have heard him speak on several different occasions and have followed his voting record. I would just like to voice my opinion that I do not want Perkins to be redistricted. Thank you for the work that you do and for taking my opinion into consideration. - Sherry Stanley

Please let us (Perkins) stay in District 33.- Latisha Lightfoot

As you redraw your lines, we’d sure appreciate it if you keep Perkins, OK in District 33. So much of our lives and community are intertwined with Stillwater it just makes sense to have a Representative who understands the issues of the whole area. - Stu Preston

I have been made aware of the redistricting plans underway. I am asking that we remain in our current district. Rep. Talley represents us well. As they say "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"!!. Thank you for your consideration. -Katherine D Harris

Please DO NOT redistrict Perkins to 32. Lincoln County is corrupt through and through. We chose to remain district 33. We are tired of the political nonsense. Enough is enough.- Lorri Kegley

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Dear Sir, I would like for you to re-examine your thoughts on removing Perkins from District 33. I personally think that having Perkins in District 33 would be a much better asset to Payne Country. Again, my vote is to draw the line elsewhere. - Roger Kinzie

As a resident of Perkins, Oklahoma, I would like to appeal to you in regards to redistricting Perkins. I do not want to see our little town moved out of District 33. Our Representative, John Talley, is involved in our little community & cares about the residents of Perkins.Please leave Perkins in District 33 with a Representative that knows & listens to the residents of Perkins when making decisions that directly affect us.- Jeanette Shropshire

I received an email from Rep. John Talley that Perkins could possibly be taken out of district 33 and instead put in district 32. I am personally against this because as a citizen of Perkins I voted for Rep. Talley, thus being put in another representative’s district I feel would put me in under a representative I did not choose.- Grant Myers

I am hearing that the redistricting plan for House District 33 shows that Perkins is to be removed and placed in District 32, along with Lincoln County. Please, DO NOT remove Perkins from District 33. We have far more economic and social ties with Payne County, the Stillwater area, Cushing, and District 33 than Lincoln County. Representative John Talley does a great job for our area, and we would far prefer to keep him and our current District 33.- Patricia A. Teter

To Whom It May Concern., please leave Perkins in District 33 with Representatives Talley. Rep. Talley has been a huge proponent for our area and has personally been a champion for me during these trying times. Thank you for your consideration.- Erin Portman

Please keep Perkins, OK in House District 33. I have lived there my whole life and relate more with the current district than I would District 32. I also really like having John Talley as my rep. Thank you for your time.- Deidre Boles

I am a citizen of Perkins, I am employed at the local elementary school and I am Vice Mayor of Perkins, city commissioner of Ward 3. Perkins needs to remain in Talleys district. Wallace does not have our best interests as a priority. - Sara Rebelo

As a long-time resident of District 33, I want to express my opposition to proposed changes in District 33. Stillwater already has representation in the House Please leave Perkins in District 33. The smaller communities need to be represented. If more of Stillwater is added to the district, our concerns may not be heard.. I realize changes need to be made, but adding more of Stillwater to the district is not the solution – Nancy Griffin, Yale resident

I am stating that I believe John Talley should be able to continue with the district that now in place, and has been for years, in District 33. We want to keep Perkins and do not need any of Wellston. Please allow this District 33 to remain the same. - Marilyn Duff, Cushing resident

We would really not to be redistricted into Lincoln County and would like to remain in Payne County. Tamara and David Orr, Perkins residents

We want to remain in District 33. We do not want to go to Lincoln County. – Dorothy Phagan, Perkins resident

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19. Numerous residents of North Central Oklahoma re: support of moving Perkins to HD 32

The Perkins area should be pleased to have a hard working and capable new representative representing our area. The honorable Kevin Wallace also serves as the Chairman of the House Appropriations committee. We are looking forward to working with Kevin on projects that will help his district! Harland Wells, HBW Companies & Founding/Continuous Perkins Chamber Member

To whom concerned: My name is Will Fine. I am a resident of Lincoln County. I live in Rep. Kevin Wallace’s district. I have only good impressions of this man. My wife and I had an issue with a current law. I contacted his office late in the evening on a Friday. I was not expecting any response until the following Monday. The next day I received a call from his office. This was a Saturday morning. If you are looking for someone in state government to represent you, Kevin Wallace will go above and beyond to do just that. As a constituent of HD 32, the City of Perkins, with its rural setting is more align with the communities of HD 32, than communities in Oklahoma County. – Will Fine, Stroud resident

To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter in support of redistricting lines being drawn to include the City of Perkins in the House District 32 represented by Kevin Wallace. I wish to express my satisfaction of my current representative, Kevin Wallace. I have personal experience of working with Chairman Wallace on legislation that has directly benefited the Court Clerks as well as Lincoln County. I believe the City of Perkins and that portion of Payne county would those constituencies by his leadership and integrity. – Cindy Kirby, Lincoln County Court Clerk

I wanted to take a brief moment and extend my support of the redistricting of House District 32 to include the City of Perkins. As a House District 32 constituent, and the Director of the Area Agency on Aging that represents the Older Oklahomans living in Perkins and the majority of House District 32, I can say with confidence and experience that you will serve them with respect, pride and professionalism. With your dedicated and experienced leadership, the residents of Perkins will be better positioned to face the social, economic, and health challenges currently facing our communities. Thank you for your continued service and representation to citizens of HD 32. – John Cobb, COEDD AAA Director

20. Numerous residents of Skiatook re: HD 36

My name is Catherine Hill and I am writing in reference to the decision being made to redraw the lines of our congressional districts. The proposed redistricting has moved our home from State House District 36, represented by Sean Roberts, to State House District 10, represented by Judd Strom. As very involved citizens in our local and state government, we are concerned about the decision to basically eliminate the district we were in and move us into a district that is spread over Washington, Nowata, and a section of northern Osage counties. This puts us on the very edge of our district as opposed to House District 36 which includes primarily the southern end of Osage County. Our proximity to House District 36 makes involvement much more practical. In addition, as active members of the Republican Party, the representation out of District 36 much better reflects our beliefs. While involvement in House District 36 would be conveniently located, involvement in House District 10 would require we drive almost an hour to Bartlesville. Because of our involvement and concern about the legislation, we have frequent contact with our District representation. The close proximity we have enjoyed being in District 36 has made our contact much more meaningful to the process. My address is 9670 West 160 Street North, Skiatook, Ok 74070. I am within walking distance of the new boundary. Please consider moving our address and that of our neighbors into District 36. – Cathy Hill, Skiatook resident

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My name is Wayne Hill and I reside in Osage County. This letter is to request your committee move our neighborhood or area into the new State House District 36. We currently reside in the Cherokee Heritage Estates, 9670 W. 160th St. N. Skiatook, OK 74070. Before redistricting, we were in State House District 36 represented by Sean Roberts. With the new district line, we have been moved to District 10 which is Judd Strom’s district. Our new location status is on the boundary line. I am requesting we be included in the new state house district 36. There are a few reasons for this request. First, this would allow us to be more involved in our community elections as opposed to the huge area of Washington, Nowata and a northern section of Osage County making it difficult to be as active. Secondly, house district 10 is made up of 3 counties spread over a very large area. House district 36 includes primarily the southern end of Osage County again making involvement much more practical. My wife and I are active in Republican politics and feel we would be better represented out of this area of 36. I want to emphasize that last point. Lastly, we know many of our elected officials in the new 36 and are not familiar with district 10. To maintain our current level of involvement without this change would be much more challenging having to be involved more in the Bartlesville area which is 45 minutes from where we reside. House district 36 involvement would primarily be Skiatook which is 10 minutes from our residence. I want to thank you for your consideration in this matter. I want to emphasize the importance to us for this change. Wayne Hill, Skiatook resident

My name is Taylor Gregory and I am a resident of Osage County. This letter is to request your committee move our neighborhood or area into the new State House District 36. My family and I live in Cherokee Heritage Estates, 9305 W. 160th St. N. Skiatook, OK 74070. Before redistricting, we were in State House District 36 represented by Sean Roberts. With the new district line, we have been moved to District 10 which is Judd Strom’s district. Our new location status is on the boundary line. I am requesting we be included in the new state house district 36. There are a few reasons for this request. First, this would allow us to be more involved in our community elections as opposed to the huge area of Washington, Nowata and a northern section of Osage County making it difficult to be as active. Secondly, house district 10 is made up of 3 counties spread over a very large area. House district 36 includes primarily the southern end of Osage County again making involvement much more practical. I am active in Republican politics and feel we would be better represented out of this area of 36. I want to emphasize that last point. Lastly, we know many of our elected officials in the new 36 and are not familiar with district 10. To maintain our current level of involvement without this change would be much more challenging having to be involved more in the Bartlesville area which is 45 minutes from where we reside. House district 36 involvement would primarily be Skiatook which is 10 minutes from our residence. I want to thank you for your consideration in this matter. I want to emphasize the importance to us for this change. – Taylor Gregory, Skiatook resident

Oklahoma County Region

21. Ray P., Mayor of Jones at Oklahoma City Town Hall on 12/09/2020.

I would like all citizens within Jones city limits to be able to vote in Jones and not any other towns (i.e. having to go to Spencer to vote). Jones is currently split by two Senate districts (SD 17 & 48) and two House districts (HD 97 & HD 96) and I request that the community be in one district each. Also, do not split our school district if possible. Staff notes: Please see table for % breakdown on how Jones city population is split b/w districts.

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City/Town District Population %

Jones OK 96 1,754 65.2

Jones OK 97 938 34.8

22. Carol G., President CEO, Choctaw Chamber of Commerce at Oklahoma City Town Hall on 12/09/2020

Small towns are split between several districts. Please keep Nicoma Park and Choctaw (HD 97 & 101) in one district on every level. Having more concentration of our elected officials helps us have better representation. Eastern OK County needs less community splits.

Staff notes: Please see table for % breakdown on how Choctaw and Nicoma Park city population is split b/w districts.

City/Town District Population %

Nicoma Park OK 101 1,646 68.8

Nicoma Park OK 97 747 31.2

Choctaw OK 101 6,025 54.1

Choctaw OK 96 5,121 45.9

23. Paul M., Oklahoma City re: Gatewood Neighborhood via email

Please draw the Gatewood neighborhood in Oklahoma City in one Senate district. I believe it meets the "community of interest" standard and should not be split between two Senate districts like it was after the 2010 Census. The Gatewood neighborhood currently has one state representative (House District 88) and two state senators (Senate District 40 and 46).

Tulsa County Region

24. Michael A., resident of Jenks at Tulsa Town Hall on 12/10/2020

I really like the way my House district (68) is shaped. Please keep precinct 420 in Creek County (Jenks precinct) in a district that has urban/suburban leanings as it currently is. Asked that the same be considered for any Senate plan (i.e. SD 37).

25. Edward D., Tulsa re: HD 66, via email

This district is not compact, it does not preserve political subdivisions, it does not preserve communities of interest, and does not preserve the core of the district going back to 2000, which itself made little sense at least from a geographic and representative perspective. Census tracts 27, 29, and 88 seem to be comprised of a higher percentage of low-moderate income households and higher percentages of minority populations relative to the rest of the district; as well as being in a different

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Staff notes: For context, please see HD 66 map in appendix labeled with median housing income by census tract. Census tracts are also shaded by minority population percentage.

26. Lareina Niland, Tulsa re: HD 79

To Whom it may concern, I am deeply disappointed with the new lines. I love house Representative Melissa Provenzano. She has done an excellent job of keeping her constituents informed. In the mailer that I received from my new rep, he indicated that the redistricting was fair. How likely is anything to be fair if the house is controlled by one party? Unlikely. As the house has continued to eat away at the rights of women, people of color, and anyone who doesn’t think like them I get continually upset by the direction the house moves in. Why say you are for the people when you truly mean, big Ag, oil, male, white, super conservative? Disappointed in your work.

Northeast Region

27. Shelton F., resident of Holdenville re: Hughes County, Beggs & HD 24

I would like to see all of Hughes county included in one district. Families live across the road from each other and are represented from 2 very different Representatives. My District 24 goes way up into south Tulsa almost. We have nothing in common with people in the larger towns. We need to be with Seminole, Wewoka, or McAlester.

The people I talk to do not like having someone represent them that is not in the same mind set as they are. People just think different and react different the larger town or community you are from. A person from the larger communities runs and gets a majority of votes from around that larger town and totally messes up the whole reason for a local representative. We feel as our votes don't matter because we can’t compete with all the votes from those large communities. We need to bring our district back down from there and make it more rural.

Over 13,000 people live in the Beggs /S Tulsa area and that is 1/3 the people in the 24 district. That is not fair to the rural people having a say when they get outnumbered by such a small area. 1/6 of the area has more voters then the rest of district 24.

Staff notes: HD 24, as currently drawn, is neither in Tulsa city limits nor within Tulsa county boundaries. Southeast Region

28. John B., Mayor of McAlester at McAlester Town Hall on 12/16/2020

I would like McAlester to remain split between two districts (HD 17 & HD 18).

Staff notes: Please see table for % breakdown on how McAlester city population is split b/w districts.

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City/Town District Population %

McAlester OK 17 6,209 33.8

McAlester OK 18 12,174 66.2

Congressional Districts

29. Michael T, resident of HD 87/CD 5 re: congressional districts via email

I live in OK US House District 5 and that district currently is much of Oklahoma County and all of Pottawatomie and Seminole counties. This effectively cuts the metropolitan area of Oklahoma City in half with the southern half of the metro in US House District 4. The concerns and needs of the citizens in the metro are vastly different than the concerns of those living in rural areas. Considering that US House District 1 is all of the Tulsa Metro area, shouldn't the same apply to the Oklahoma City Metro. It would seem to me that US OK 5 should be Norman, Moore, OKC, and Edmond thus allowing the people with similar concerns and needs to be accurately represented. In either case it would seem to me that the Representatives from OK House 4 and 5 would both be split in their focus between their urban, suburban, and rural constituents.

On the districting of the Oklahoma House and Senate, the same question applies. The current boundaries are harder to describe in an email, but it would seem that similar economic households should be grouped to ensure that citizens are fairly represented in government. I live in Senate District 40 and House District 87 and it seems that those boundaries appear to be more appropriate in general. I guess my question there is to what degree are household income, education, age, race and other demographics considered when drawing these lines? I would hope that party registration would not be a factor.

Finally, I wonder if expected future shifts are considered at all. It is probable that Oklahoma City may continue to grow during the next decade while some rural areas are anticipated to decline in population. Does that factor?

30. Lindsey K, resident of Oklahoma City re: congressional districts via email

Oklahoma City and Tulsa should be their own districts as they are half the population of this state and deserve to have equal representation.

Staff notes: These are the population estimates for Oklahoma City (2019 est. 655,057) and Tulsa (2019 est. 401,190). Together, the population of these cities represent 26.7% of Oklahoma’s total population.

Other General Feedback

There were a number of emails/calls categorized as requests for information such as meeting times, copies of maps, handouts and slides from town hall presentation, town hall recordings and others. These were answered by staff and are not summarized below.

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Several comments were categorized as unrelated to legislative or congressional redistricting, such as the suggestion to do away with the separation of ballots (D/R) and consolidating counties and are not summarized below.

(2) comments came from organizations or individuals offering assistance in the redistricting process.

1. David R., Dave’s Redistricting App via email

Hello Quyen. I participated in the NCSL Redistricting Seminar this week and very much enjoyed your Thursday presentation on Developing a Dialogue with Keith and Fred. I am responsible for partner outreach at Dave’s Redistricting (and of course was pleased that DRA was mentioned a couple of times). Given the consensus around increased public engagement in the redistricting process, I would be very interested in connecting with you to explore any thoughts you may have about whether and how the OK legislature might be able to leverage our service to facilitate public engagement. Candidly, prior to your presentation, connecting directly with a state legislative body is not something I had contemplated. But your presentation has made me wonder whether there are any opportunities. I very much look forward to hearing back from you.

2. Nicholas Zoller, Southern Nazarene Mathematics Department via email

I read about House Speaker McCall's kickoff of 2020 legislative redistricting activities in today's issue of The Oklahoman. In August 2017 I attended a conference sponsored by the Metric Geometry and Gerrymandering Group at Tufts University in Massachusetts. I came back from that conference with much enthusiasm for getting involved in the statewide redistricting process. I look forward to attending one of the town halls scheduled in the OKC metro area when they are held. I would also like to offer my services as a math professor. I would be glad to meet with members of the redistricting committees to offer a mathematical perspective on how to draw legislative districts fairly.

There were also a number of comments categorized as general comments regarding the redistricting process. These are copied verbatim below.

1. Deborah B., Tulsa

Hi, I’m a citizen of Oklahoma and I’m hoping when you all next participate in the important work of redrawing the districts for our state, you will use anti-gerrymandering software. It would be nice to see the district’s be fair and representative. Please consider this. Thank you for your time!

2. Amy L., Tulsa

In order to ensure fair representation for all Oklahomans, I ask that the House Redistricting Committee implement anti-gerrymandering software during the redistricting process. Many options are available and the people of Oklahoma deserve no less. I also request that proposed districts be vetted for gerrymandering and the results made public to residents. Doing so ensures government transparency and accountability, and helps protect our democracy.

3. Iris B., Tulsa

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Please make sure to use anti-gerrymandering software when redistricting Oklahoma so we have FAIR AND REPRESENTATIVE districts for our population. Thank you!

4. Vicki D., Tulsa

Please use software that overrides gerrymandering! 5. Terry B., Tulsa

Redistricting needs to be done without any Gerrymandering, and without an effort to deliberately stretch out large population centers to include rural areas, they need to be geographically compact based on population, so that there is truly representative democracy, not a tyranny of a minority by gerrymandering that minority to be smeared over every district.

6. Catheryn A., Tulsa

It is essential to our democracy that districting is fair and ensures that the votes of all people can be heard. Redistrict fairly! It's time to abolish the gerrymandering that disenfranchises the voices of people of color and progressives in this state. We have to fix this. Now is the time.

7. Terry G., no hometown listed

Can you find a way to Redistricting without going through several different counties? This makes campaigning and representation more difficult. Going from Enid to Yukon is uncalled for.

8. Colata H., Yukon

Please consider citizen input and work for a fair redistricting plan that avoids separating or isolating racial groups and communities to create election advantages for political parties. We need to encourage, rather than discourage citizens to vote.

9. Griffith H., Tulsa

When drawing new districts, an open source algorithm should be used to more succinctly allocate populations. That algorithm should also incorporate with features like drawing lines consistent with waterway borders, county lines, municipal boundaries, tribal jurisdictions, and major roads. Districts should be optimally compact without arms, panhandles, cutouts, snakes, hooks, splinters, slivers, or city splits. Districts should also be drawn with ABSOLUTELY NO consideration of the current representative's address or home. Redistricting is about even representation, not preservation of power. Integrity requires selflessness.

10. Dallas P., Tulsa

Hello. In Oklahoma, we value fairness and honesty. We teach our children to be good sports, to learn from losses and be gracious in victories. When districts are drawn to maintain power of the majority party, there is no fair play, no learning from losses, and no grace in winning. There are fair ways to

34 | P a g e draw district lines. Ways that exclude party influence and honestly allow candidates from any party to earn the opportunity to represent their neighbors as was the original intent of the framers of our state. This is not a party-argument. This is a taxpayer argument- a citizenship argument- this is an argument asking for Oklahoma Values to be put on display for the Nation to see. In either case, I prefer a more fair, honest, and open process to elect our representatives. Let's not be like North Carolina or other states that have been embarrassed by improper redistricting. Let's lead the way in allowing the people to choose their representatives, not the other way around.

11. Theresa S. Tulsa

As a lifelong Oklahoma resident, I would like the committee to use data & math algorithms to make fair and balanced districts in Oklahoma. The technology is available to create districts that would ensure that the citizens voices are truly heard in our state through fair elections. both parties have been at fault over the years to change districts in their favor to hold power and make it harder for the other party in future elections. That is not the way politics should be run in a true democracy! Our democracy depends on your efforts, so please take the lead and do your job without bias. Thank you!

12. Virgil M., no hometown listed

I just wanted to check and see hope Oklahoma does to prevent what North Carolina seems to be doing. We just want for fair elections without any bias. I'm thinking somebody a third party with no political bias could right code that would do this fairly. Take the people process out mostly. Just a concerned Okie

12. Gina D., Edmond

Hello and thank you for all your hard work. It is my intent to just ask to keep districting similar to what it is now. Our system treats candidates equally. Our system works well in Oklahoma and I am proud of that. Thank you again.

13. Kurt H., Oklahoma City

Fairness & a level playing field for ALL Oklahomans is the only way forward... anything less than killing gerrymandering is unacceptable... move to a nonpartisan, scientific redistricting approach for 100% transparency...

14. Michael T., Oklahoma City

I just received the Press Release/Meeting notice about the House Redistricting public meeting and looked at a couple of the submitted maps. I am concerned that the tool that these appear to be built in have a prominent display of voting history of the voters in those areas. Obviously, there is no real way to know how people will vote in future elections but I understood that while demographic information such as race and age would be considered but that voting history or registration would not. It was easy for me (as a Democrat) to click through and pick the overall map that would encourage tighter races in Republican-held districts and create easier wins for Democratic-held seats.

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Appendix

1. Full testimonial from Mr. Jimmy H., at Tahlequah town hall on 01/07/2021 2. HD 66 Median Household Income and Minority Population Percent Population 3. Letter from Craig H., mayor of Sapulpa 4. Letter from Carla G., vice-mayor of Sapulpa 5. Letter from Buck D., McLoud City Manager

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