Minnetonka Sets New Voting Boundaries

Governmental changes have simplified matters.

Last week, the approved new ward boundaries for the purpose of elections.

The city was required to redistrict ward lines due to the changes in population reflected in the 2010 U.S. Census. The new boundaries are in effect as of the state primary on Aug. 14. The goal was to make the city's four wards as equal in size as possible.

Two minor changes were made to ward boundaries. The first change was to move a section of Ward 3 south of Lake Street Ext. and east of Williston Road into Ward 1, affecting 441 residents.

The other change was to move a section of Ward 4 into Ward 3. The adjustment moves 231 residents who live on the western border of the city north of Minnetonka Blvd. and west of County Road 101.    

This move eliminates a precinct that only served those 231 residents.

Ward 3 now has a 4 percent higher population than the other three wards.

The city was also mandated to modify precincts. Minnetonka currently has 27 precincts– a high number compared to other cities of the same size. For example, the city of Apple Valley has an almost identical population but only 16 precincts, according to Minnetonka City Clerk David Maeda.

The reason the city has a larger number of precincts is due to its falling into three legislative districts and because it elects council members by ward.

Precinct changes

The changes approved last week downsize the number of precincts in Minnetonka from 27 to 23. Currently, precincts range in size from 145 registered voters to 1,957 registered voters.

Now, the smallest precinct in the city will have 1,100 registered voters and the largest will remain at 1,957 voters.

"Reducing the number of precincts will save the city election judge and voting equipment costs," said Madea. 

Another bonus: The redistrict reduces, from five to one, the number of city precincts that fall into multiple school districts. The only precinct that
will now fall within multiple school districts is precinct 3D which will have voters from both the Minnetonka and Wayzata school districts.

"Voters from multiple school districts at the same polling place increase the chance that voters will receive the wrong ballot," Madea said.

All polling places are currently being used as places to vote, except for the Glenn, 5300 Woodhill Road, replacing , which will be undergoing construction this fall. Parking was a concern for the Glenn, and the city hopes to use Redeemer as a polling place again in the future. For now, a parking agreement has been made with .

Hennepin County will mail notices to all residents advising them of their polling location for the 2012 election. The city will also mail notices to voters who are affected by the changes and inform them of the council member who represents them.