The Allegan County Board of Commissioners decided to approve the proposed redistricting for county commissioners for the next 10 years.

The number of seats on the board has been pared down from seven to five, so at least two commissioners will lose their seats.

Redistricting occurs every 10 years to reflect changes in population and the most recent official census count (from 2020) is leaned on heavily

The Redistricting Commission, as provided by state law, is made up of Republican Party Chairman Mike VanDenBerg, Democratic Party Chair Jill Dunham, County Clerk Bob Genetski, County Treasurer Sally Brooks and County Prosecutor Myrene Koch.

The Allegan County Democratic Party challenged the reduction of number of commissioners, maintaining that Allegan County’s population is the fifth fastest growing in Michigan. However, the committee’s recommendation now is adopted.

Close to home, this is how districts will be composed starting with the August 2022 primary election:

• District No. 2 — Dorr, Leighton and Wayland townships and the City of Wayland. Currently represented by Mark DeYoung and Rick Cain.
• District No. 4 — Hopkins and Monterey townships. Currently represented by Gale Dugan.
• District No. 5 — Martin and Watson townships. Currently represented by Rick Cain and Gale Dugan.