The first public hearings of the South Dakota House & Senate Legislative Redistricting Committees were held Monday in Box Elder and Mission.

During the Box Elder meeting, Kellen Brings From Scout, representing the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association, told the committee the census numbers used to draw the districts are not accurate…

Brings From Scout says expanding districts centered on the reservations would dilute their votes….

Committee Chair, Senator Mary Duvall of Pierre, says they have to follow the law in drawing the new maps….

The committee also has meetings scheduled this week in Mobridge, Aberdeen, Watertown and Sioux Falls. The legislature meets in special session on November 8th to approve a final map.