With an addition of 1.5 million people between 2000 and 2010, the state's 180 House of Representatives and 56 Senate districts will be either geographically compressed or expanded to ensure that politicians represent roughly the same number of people.
Along with a higher population status, the state will gain a 14th Congressional district that may be added to the North Georgia region as the increase in growth is mainly located in the areas above Atlanta.
In an effort to inform the citizens of possible and likely changes, a reapportionment hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Clarence Brown Conference Center.
Although the hearing is designed like the town hall meetings that have been held throughout the county, this hearing may take on a different nature.
According to Liz Flowers of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus, the panel members who will be presenting and leading the meeting refuse to answer questions from the public.
"So far, in all cities where there has been a hearing, no questions have been answered," she said. "Citizens are allowed to comment, some ask questions, but the panel members have not responded."
The hearing has been described as a "listening session" and is led by "all male, all white, all Republican members," according to a Democratic Caucus press release.
"This is a bi-partisan committee of both Democrats and Republicans," State Rep. Christian Coomer said. "The growth from Bartow will likely play a big role in where the lines will be redrawn. I encourage everyone to go to the hearing and provide feedback."