Plans to change the US Congressional district map have cleared the Kansas Senate.
On a 26-9 vote Friday, the chamber passed a plan championed by Senate President Ty Masterson and Senate Vice President Rick Wilborn. Locally, the proposed map slides Lyon, Chase, Morris and Wabaunsee counties of the so-called Big First District and into the Second along with Coffey and Osage Counties. Greenwood County stays in the Fourth District.
The proposed map has gotten a lot of opposition from Democrats and certain voting rights groups, not for the changes areawide but for planned adjustments in the Kansas City area. The proposed map moves part of Wyandotte County into the Second District instead of keeping it in the Third along with Johnson County. Opponents say the shift would reduce minority presence at the polls.
The House will take up redistricting soon.
