I think out of the final two maps this is the best option. I know splitting Galatin county is not ideal, but it protects Flathead county from being split up and taken advantage of by the democratic party. Realistically Galatin should have been moved over completely to the East. With that said, there is no reason why Flathead county should ever be considered part of eastern Montana. It is clearly on the WEST side of the state. For that reason I am 100% for this proposition. To split up that county is for political gain ONLY and I am not willing to play the dirty games these politicians are asking us to participate in. CP 10 allows a fair division among the state. NO TO CP 11 YES TO CP 10.

Of the two maps up for final consideration by the redistricting committee, I like CP10 better than CP11 because it keeps Flathead County in the western district and it keeps two reservations in the western district.

I agree with this map. It keeps Flathead county in the Western district. I don't like in general the options of splitting counties as it will cost the counties more for elections. However, if a county is going to be split Gallatin county I believe would be able to handle this more readily than smaller counites such as Pondera.

Of the maps that include Flathead County in the western district, CP10 appears to be most acceptable across the remaining population as well. I appreciate the work and the effort put forth by all involved.

Though I like this map--I like any of the propose choices other than Map 11--I prefer one that would keep Gallatin county intact. This would be a choice for me after Map 12

I believe that I should be made out with. pls contact me if you are interested at my email 112266@victor.k12.mt.us or my phone number 406- 360- 7996

YES to CP10. I get that the democrats (marxists) around here don't want to see Gallatin split. I don't either. I'd rather see that entire county sent to the eastern district. But if we have to choose between splitting Gallatin and splitting Flathead, I choose the former. There's no RATIONAL reason why a county in the far WEST end of Montana should be seated in the EAST. The only reason to do it is POLITICAL, which is to give the democrats (marxists) an attempt to have a political foothold in a state THEY DO NOT BELONG IN. If you want your democrat utopia, move to CA. It's perfect for all of you. For those that have never been there, it is best described as a hell hole. There's a reason people are fleeing that state and its not the weather. CP11 is just another example of the democrats (marxists) trying to corrupt something good and leverage a congressional seat out of a state that rejects their politics. NO to CP11. YES to CP10. If you can't handle that, move to your utopia in CA and stop trying to make one here. It's clearly made in your image.

Map 10 is blatantly unfair. Dividing Gallatin County makes no sense if the goal to truly represent a cross section of Montana. This is gerrymandering.

I like this map because it is way better than map 10. But there is a much better map that does not split any counties and leaves the population division between the two districts at 50 people. Here is the map...please go look at it. https://app.districtbuilder.org/projects/e0a5c47f-4434-47ff-b0a9-01233ba3a87b

I oppose Map 10. It is not equitable to both parties.

I like this map because it puts two Native American lands into District 1...which is the best that can occur because of the huge distance separation between all the Native American Lands. I don’t like this map because it is carving up Gallatin County. There is a much better map that does not split any counties and leaves the population division between the two districts at 50 people. Here is the map...please go look at it. https://app.districtbuilder.org/projects/e0a5c47f-4434-47ff-b0a9-01233ba3a87b

I support CP 10; this is a more accurate geographical split than CP 11. This will divide the population of Montana better; so we all have a "voice".

I support Map 10 because I believe that it fairly bisects the state into equal represented areas from a geographic perspective and state demographics. I think this map of the two will ensure that all voters' voices are heard. It is important to keep the integrity of Montana's geography, communities, and demographics into consideration and I believe Map 10 does this by fairly balancing the politics of the two regions. Map 11 seems to segregate communities in an attempt to ensure strong tribal and native voice which I respect the vision and process, but I don't think Map 11 with its state bisection addresses the need for equality in both regions. The lines of Map 11 were drawn in a way that does not balance the two regions as a whole for the state of Montana. In this redistricting process, we must have fair and equal representation of all voices and Montana's demography; therefore, I think Map 10 is the most fair and equitable representation of the state.

I was raised in Western Montana and have since moved to central Montana. I support CP 10 as central and eastern Montana have different issues than western Montana...this map also follows a more geographical split than CP 11. For these reason I support this map.

I like Map 10 because it complies with Montana law and the Constitution, as both districts are compact, contiguous, and nearly equal population.

I like Map 10 because it keeps the shared medical communities of Logan Health Medical Center (Kalispell and Whitefish) together, which provides medical services for the entire NW Region, including the Blackfeet Reservation.

I like Map 10 because it includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District, allowing for a stronger voice for the tribes in the new western district, and it keeps one tribal community from being isolated from all other tribal communities.

As one of the state legislators whose district would be split in this map, I don't disagree with the splitting of my district (HD 64) and Gallatin as a whole. As a matter of necessity, there isn't away to draw a state map without dividing at least one county and adhering to the other guiding standards. Even in our current structure, some towns are legislatively split. For example, Big Sky is split about 50/50. 1/2 is HD 71 and SD 36 and the other 1/2 of Big Sky is HD 64 and SD 32. The splitting of Big Sky is a split that honestly hurts constituents as it's not physically possible for the legislators of HD 71 and SD 36 to get to Big Sky without a significant detour drive through Bozeman. So they end up not visiting their constituents in Big Sky. At least with Map 10, the part of Gallatin that is captured in the western side of the map is easily visited by any congressional-person or candidate.

CORRECTED COMMENT: MAP 10 is the FAIREST map. It is NOT gerrymandering. Leave the political parties/liberals/conservatives out of it. Unlike map 11, MAP 10 gives the Native Americans a better/fairer representation in the West. Unlike Map 11, MAP 10 has a much more equal split of the White population amongst the two districts, unlike map 11 which has more than double the numbers in difference. Go with the population numbers and not whether they are liberals or conservatives as instructed by law.

MAP 10 is the fairest map. It IS NOT gerrymandering. Leave the poilitical parties/liberals/conservatives out of it. Unlike map 10, MAP 11 gives the Native Americans a better/fairer representation in the West. Unlike map 10, MAP 11 has a much more equal split of the White population amongst the two districts, unlike map 10 which has more than double the numbers in difference. Go with the population numbers and not liberals or conservatives.

It includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District, allowing for a stronger voice for the tribes in the new western district It keeps the communities of interest in the West that are predominantly forest production and tourism together It keeps communities of interests centered on tourism and service industries together which are all shared between Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls It keeps the growing ski tourism economy united within the Flathead Valley (Whitefish and Lakeside) It keeps the shared medical communities of Logan Health Medical Center (Kalispell and Whitefish) together, which provides medical services for the entire NW Region, including the Blackfeet Reservation

This map seems to be the most fair in terms of splitting ethnic groups overall the most evenly. CP11 splits the native american population far to unevenly. As a non political decision, this should keep ethnicity and population splits as close as possible.

This is the fairest redistricting map

This map is the fairest redistricting map

This appears to be the fairest redistricting map.

This map more true to the districting goals put forward by the Montana Constitution; this map meets the needs of being compact and contiguous while also not unduly favoring one party solely for the sake of competitiveness. Western Montanans should be together, and Eastern Montanans should be together. CP10 does a better job of this than CP11, as CP11 is put forward for the sole purpose of unduly benefiting the Democrat party, regardless of the districting requirements.

The two large universities cities should not be in the same district. It brings too many persons of the same demographic - students, into the same district. Whatever map is chosen should have the big university towns separate.

Neither 10 or 11 are perfect, but at least 10 has the Flathead and Blackfeet Nations together as they share a MT House District together. Keeping that shared interest will help both Tribes with stronger representation. A Gallatin split makes more sense than a Flathead County split do to the geographical nature of those Counties. It has the valley split from the hills/mountains. Having aligned agricultural interests makes more sense in CP10. Irrigation, crops, out of state landownership and hobby/retirement ranching issues would be better understood for potential candidates in CP10. A Flathead County split makes no sense... Kalispell, Whitefish and C-Falls are essentially one large city with an airport in between them. All services are shared. Bozeman and Livingston have pass between them. Services are not shared.

I/we like Map 10. Both districts are compact, contiguous and nearly equal in population. It keeps Flathead County intact, and includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District.

These last two choices, not the best, seem to be favoring both political parties according to comments. My preferenc would be a map similar to #1, with a more straight line through the state. Also, why did none of the committee members consider splitting the state from north to south instead of east to west? If #1 is no longer a choice, my vote is for #10.

CP10 is the most logical. It keeps Flathead County as one unit. Putting part of it with eastern Montana makes no sense.

Park County has always been in the Eastern District. Ron Marlenea was our representative and Pat Williams was the Western Montana Representative. Park County is the Montana Headwaters of the Yellowstone River which flows east. We share our Montana Senator John Esp with Sweetgrass County. Park and Sweet Grass Counties need to remain together in the Eastern District. If you need to add more people to The Western District get more people from Gallatin County or some where else along the western boundary of the Eastern District. Park and Sweet Grass Counties share similar agricultural land ownership pattern. We share the same USFS districts in the Absarokee Wilderness Area. This is important regarding Fish Wildlife and Parks on hunting regulations and Montana Department of Livestock relationships. Please do not put Park County area 1 western district.

We like this map better than cp 11. It is more balanced than cp 11. Native representation is still not as balanced as should be but better than cp 11.

Neither Map 10 or Map 11 is perfect and I still support Map 1 from the original deliberations. It met the redistricting criteria of compact, contiguous and less than 1% population deviation. Some respondents in favor of Map 11 over Map 10 comment that Map 11 is more fair, equitable and competitive. Those are not qualities outlined in the redistricting criteria in Montana Code Annotated 2021; 5-1-115. Of the 2 choices Map 10 meets the redistricting requirements better than Map 11.

Map 10 is preferable. Placing Flathead County in the Eastern district, as Map 11 does, is ridiculous from a geographical standpoint, and a blatantly partisan attempt to influence the election by an obviously biased committee. They should be ashamed, and should resign.

This map is preferable, as it meets the mandatory criteria better than CP11: it is more compact. Further it meets the goals better than CP11: it results in a closer representation of Montana's voters than CP11, it does not attempt to carve out a massive chunk of Flathead county, and it respects the interests of the western communities of interest much better than CP11.

How can you have numerous maps submitted, select 9, then throw them ALL OUT and pick two new maps?? Don't manipulate the process to achieve your desired results. Go back to Map CP1 which met all the criteria. Follow the Montana LAW, MCA 5-1-115.

I support CP 10 as the clearest representation of Montana common sense using the continental divide as the obvious geographical boundary. CP 10 is absent of the OBVIOUS Gerry Meandering that is present in many of the other submissions.

Please follow MCA 5-1-115

CP10 is the more balanced of the 2 finalists. It more closely matches the natural geographical boundaries of the Continental Divide, following the suggestion John Wesley Powell that our political boundaries should be more aligned with watershed boundaries. CP11 is obviously gerry-mandered to create a "competitive" district to allow Democrats the opportunity to gain a seat. Flathead County/Kalispell is not part of eastern Montana. There is no constitutionally or practically valid rationale that any congressional district be "competitive". They should be representative of the people and the landform.

Map CP10 will allow for the best representation of the people in each district. If the population is equally split, I have confidence that the voters will support good candidates, from either party.

Like this map - represents Montana better, no splitting of major counties

I prefer map CP10. There is no way the Flathead fits with eastern Montana. Who can represent Kalispell and Alzada and their respective issues fairly. It's time to use commonsense and not play politics.

Of the two maps under discussion this one best represents the reality of Montana's conservative majority. A better choice would be map #1.

Splitting Gallatin county is absurd on its face. It adds divisiveness in what are already trying times.

If the purpose of redistricting is to redistrict, and not rely on politics, why do most commenters rely on politics? If we WERE to rely on politics, we'd be forced to draw lines according to party affiliation. Montana is an overwhelming majority-Republican, majority-conservative state. Neither district -- East-West, nor a hypothetical North-South -- votes for the democratic party as a majority, only pockets of people here and there. There is no substantial Democratic majority in any county here. So what do our districts look like if the goal is to draw lines according to party affiliation? Do we want that? Do we REALLY want to bring the politic into this? This map is less political than our friend, Map 11. Although, if this is supposed to be political, BOTH maps offer far too much space for the few areas that DO vote for the Democratic party. That isn't fair to the Republicans, again, I only say this if we're going to be political, as most people are...

This Map 10 provides a better distribution of the Canadian border, it provides a better distribution of Native American voices, and it provides a better distribution of university student voices, allowing them access to the Eastern half of the state. MSU was established as an a campus for eastern Montana, offering studies in agriculture, etc. Additionally, it's largest satellite campus, MSU-Billings, is a short drive away. In Map 10, the actual MSU campus would reside in the Western District, but this map would allow a good chunk of students in northern Gallatin county to have a voice in the East. Thank you.

It doesn't make much sense to split a county the size of Flathead. CP10 is the best route to go.

Flathead County is Western Montana. It is ridiculous to group it into Eastern Montana. I don't love this map, but of the two options is it much preferable.

I prefer Map CP-10. It doesn't split the Flathead like CP-11 does. So please chose Map CP-10 so that the population in the Eastern District are not split in the Flathead Region. It's not a choice with this process, but I would prefer no districts such as "our two Representatives represent the whole state of Montana." Maybe in the future if we get more than two representatives we could split the state, but it is not a good idea now. So Please chose Map CP-10 that doesn't split the Flathead. Thanks, Douglas Newton

I agree that no map is going to be perfect or make everyone happy. Both maps divide counties and areas of interest. However, splitting Whitefish off from Flathead County make more sense than splitting at least 2 small communities in Gallatin County and separating Park County from Gallatin Co. The same is true for separating Jefferson County from Helena. I have lived in Bozeman, Helena, Kalispell, and currently live in Libby. We do some business in Kalispell, but I only know of a few people who actually commute daily to Kalispell for work. What's more Whitefish and Kalispell are completely separate communities even though they are close. And, north Lincoln County is closer to Whitefish than Kalispell. No evenly populated map is not going to split between some neighboring communities. But, a fair map does not need to split small communities, some with less than 500 residents. I have also lived on both the Blackfeet and Flathead Reservations pastoring churches in Babb, Browning, Heart Butte, and St. Ignatius. Although it is not ideal to have the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes isolated from the rest of the Tribal Nations, it is better for all Tribes to have at least one competitive district. And, having the other six Tribes in the other district, gives Native people a stronger voice than if there were only 5 in a non-competitive district. What's more, when it comes to gerrymandering in terms of favoring one party over the other, map 10 is more "guilty" than map 11 because it creates two non-competitive districts that both favor the Republican Party. Map 10 is barely competitive and certainly does not guarantee a Democratic sweep in elections. It just means non-Republicans would have some hope of being listened to. I STRONGLY support Map 10.

MT Law HB 506 which became law 5/14/2021 says: (3) A district may not be drawn for the purposes of favoring a political party or an incumbent legislator or member of congress. The following data or information may not be considered in the development of a plan: (a) addresses of incumbent legislators or members of congress; (b) political affiliations of registered voters; (c) partisan political voter lists; or (d) previous election results, unless required as a remedy by a court. There are 8 Native American communities in Montana. Map# 11 has only 1 in the west and 7 in the east. Map #10 has 2 in the west and 6 in the east. One analysis argues that since most of them are in the east, Map 10 allows the greatest opportunity to increase the Native American voice in that western district. For this reason alone, if we have to choose between these 2 maps and stay within the law, map 10 is better than map 11.

This map makes the most sense as splitting Flathead county or putting it in the Eastern part of the state is ludicrous. The population of the two districts created is roughly equivalent and it creates a definite eastern and western split.

Map 10 is my choice of the two. Personally I think that the we should have both representatives should cover the entire state until we warrant more representatives.

No map will be perfect, but Western Montana must include Flathead County. Tourism, medical facilities, industry and other major components of our community are kept together by map 10. This is the best option.

Map 10 is significantly better than Map 11 as it represents more of an East/West divide of the state creating districts of similar interests. Map 11 is a non starter for me as it splits Flathead County and it places most of the County in the East where Flathead County has limited ties.

This map makes more sense than the other one. If your doing an east / west split, Flathead needs to be west. Western Montana is not western Montana without Flathead and Glacier.

This map is better than #11, though, #1 was the most fair to both parties.

I prefer this map. Having some populations split within our MT metro areas is not an issue for me. We are not tightly bound communities and we do have dissimilar POV on many topics.

I like map 10 for many reasons. Both maps divide one county, but this one has less gerrymandering. I still prefer map 1 but this one will work.

CP10 seems better than CP 11. Really liked CP 1 best, if it can be resurrected.

This map is the preferable of the two.

I am a fourth generation Montanan and I like this map because I feel it is the best representation for Flathead County. Keeping this county as one unit will give Montanans a fair voice in elections. If Flathead county was split it would only be a partisan attempt of Democrats to gerrymander the votes. We want choice on candidates!!

This is the map, I am recommending.

This Map, though not perfect, represents the most reasonable compromise derive from the original 9 maps.

I am in support of map CP-10 over CP-11. I am a business owner in the Flathead and I serve people in every corner of our county. As a resident of the Flathead County, I strongly feel our interests are more aligned with the Western District in the state. Map CP-10 makes more sense for future candidates traveling and reaching out to potential voters. Remember there are no guarantees for candidates that run that they will win, so let's make it easier for them as they give of their time and finances to run and serve Montana.

Map 10 makes the most sense as it keeps Flathead County with like communities in the west. Putting it with the east makes no sense.

This map is far more fair than CP11. This keeps western Montana communities of similar economic condition in the same district.

a. With CP-10, District 1 contains two complete reservations, CSKT and Blackfeet, and their respective counties in District 1. Alternatively, Map CP-11 divides the CSKT reservation and Flathead County between the two districts in order to not divide the CSKT reservation. CP-10 is thus a better way to accomplish the goal of not dividing reservations. It also provides more voting power for the statewide Indian community in District 1 and better protects Indian voting rights across the state with two reservations in District 1. b. With CP-10, District 1 unifies the tourism and service industry communities of interest in Northwest MT that are shared between Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls and Flathead Lake c. With CP-10, growth of ski tourism is facilitated within the Flathead Valley; e.g., Whitefish and Lakeside. d. With CP-10, the main watershed regions of the Western Divide counties in MT are tied together for tourism, power generation, and muscle invasive species defense. This will benefit long-term scientific research encompassing culturally connected major bodies of water. e. With CP-10, the inclusion of Flathead, Glacier and Pondera counties in District 1 or, alternatively per CP-11, the inclusion Gallatin and Park Counties probably results in similar apportionments of both population and geographic area. However, CP-11 splits Flathead into three separate pieces, two in District 1 and one in District 2. CP-10 shifts the division of a single country from Flathead to Gallatin (divided into two parts). Both maps have deviations between the two districts within the 1% Mandatory Criteria limit with a population difference of ~ 0%. However, CP-10 also unites the community of interest that is comprised of counties located on the western side of the Continental divide and provides a more equitable split of the economic interface along the border with Canada between the two districts. f. With CP-10, 5 of the 8 largest cities in MT are in District 1 and 3 of them are in District 2. Given the growth rates of Gallatin County and Bozeman, this places a large proportion of the future growth of the state into District 1, with the accompanying stresses and strains being largely in that district. Additionally this will rapidly distort the indicated low deviation of population between the two districts and with that the competitiveness of the each.

I am writing today in support of CP10. As a third generation Flathead Valley resident and businessman, The Flathead is unique in that although we have many small cities, we still view entire Flathead County as a community. Also, the Flathead Valley economy lends itself much better to the Western District in the State as for Natural Resource issues and Tourism related issues. I hope that you will support keeping Flathead County whole in your decision making process and in the geographical district that it resembles most. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Map 10 This makes the most sense because it keeps Flathead County in the Western District. This is important because it includes CSKT and the Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District giving the tribes a stronger voice. The communities of the west are predominantly forest production and tourism and this keeps them together. This map is better because both districts are compact, contiguous and nearly equal in popluation.

I prefer this map as it seems to make more sense. We want both districts to be neutral, not heavily favoring one political ideology over the other.

Neither map seems ideal, but this one seems like the cleaner version despite the weirdness in Gallatin County

This map makes the most sense as it keeps like communities together and is a good split of population.

This map is the most fair, more honestly competitive (what to whom?), and the most logical. Both divide a county, but C11 is gerrymandering. I am a 3rd generation Montanan who grew up in Toole Co. near the Blackfoot Tribe. I know how closely aligned the Blackfoot Nation is to the mountains/Glacier. They belong to the western district. Map C11 would put it in the eastern district, leaving only one tribe in the western, minimizing the Native American voters in the western by 1:3, and denying the western district a diversity of Native American cultural influence and representation. Secondly, the C11 split also creates a western liberal voting block by removing the more conservative areas of the Flathead an leaving the liberal voters around Whitefish. C10 isn't perfect but it is definitely more balanced representation.

I prefer this map, because it splits the state evenly, and allows for a more even split for the tribes in a Western District. This map also keeps Flathead County in the West. It makes no sense to put Flathead County in the east.

I believe this map is the better of the two because it keeps communities of interests centered on tourism and service industries together which are all shared between Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls. Please DO NOT divide Flathead County.

CP 10 map best represents the established standards for redistricting of the two choices. CP 1 would’ve been better. However, I support #10 as the most equitable choice, at this point, in regards to population and geography. We should all come together with equal chance of representation for all groups. That is best done with map #10.

I support map 10 but would prefer #1. Map 11 makes perfect sense for a gerrymandered district. I understand why people want to be grouped with their neighbors and interests. The districts should be mostly geographic with all opinions represented. Tourism affects our whole state. Any eastern district will have it's fair share of tourism and should't be strictly ruled by the mountain elites. Both districts should represent the whole state! Any fair line will split someone's community. If it happens in a area of higher population it will create a fair variety of opinions. Politicians will have to relate to everyone for the good of the all Montanans.

This map put Kalispell in the western district were it should be and has been on prior elections.

This clearly is the fair split of the state and is constitutional. It makes sense on a geographic and economic basis.

this map obviously creates more fairness. why would it be seperated differently?

This proposal seems to make the most logical sense in terms of the geographical, political and economical make up of the state.

After a review of the proposed re-districting, the approach being taken is absolutely tone-deaf. Map 11 creates a political and economic divide while exacerbating the tribal communities' challenges. Is it your INTENT to isolate one tribal community from the others, reducing the power of the tribes in their representation? The segregated tribe will end up with NO representation of their interests or by their constituents. For the first time ever in Montana history, this map splits a county West of the Continental Divide (Flathead) and puts it in an Eastern District. Flathead County has zero political, economic or cultural ties with the vast number of counties in the Eastern District, and while both districts include the Canada Interface, Map CP-11 separates the Canada Interface which brings Canadian tourists to Flathead and Blackfeet tourism spots. This Map 11 is designed to harm communities of interest, such as forestry and tourism for Flathead Valley. It creates a District with communities that share no interests between Western Montana and Eastern Montana. Map 11 is a blatant partisan attempt to split the Flathead along political lines evidenced by the vast expanse covered by the Eastern District. How could a representative be in touch or part of a community so far away from their base?

This is the logical reasonable map & one I endorsed during the first round of comments and here are my reasons and they still stand, particularly now that I've seen and commented on the sloppy blatant gerrymandering of special interests on CP - 11. I have reviewed map CP - 10 and, while not perfect, it best supports the concept of an east/west split that I believe is the most sensible for all Montanans. The issues of the largely agricultural east are different from those of the mountainous west, so this keeps issues of like concern bound together vs the way CP - 11 breaks them apart with favoritism in the wrong places for the wrong reasons. This map also keeps the two larger Tribal Reservations - Blackfoot Tribe and Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes, in one district. This map achieves a very small population deviation, which is well within the required restrictions and in compliance with Montana constitutional requirements, and it also agrees with the precedent established when we previously had two House of Representatives Districts. I would anticipate and expect the commission to comply with HR506, the Montana Constitution, and other applicable and binding laws. There are some who want to create the new Congressional Districts in such a manner as to have a " guaranteed " District for the Republican Party interests and a " guaranteed " District for the interests of the Democratic Party. As if somehow this concept would be judged as " fair " to all concerned. It's not. Democracy isn't perfect but we don't need or want pre-ordained outcomes on elections. And CP - 11 is just following the line that other states like Illinois for the Democrats and Texas for the Republicans are using to guarantee bigger majorities for their parties in future elections. Montana needs to be better than that, please ! CP - 11 is not a " fair " solution, but a " political " solution. CP - 10 is the fairest solution we have and not political. We have enough Political solutions in our lives without adding another one that would be considered by a majority of Montanans as less " fair " than the map I am recommending. Montana has seen a growth spurt in population from people moving here from other US States, and all trends show in the next 5 to 10 years this will increase vs level off or decrease. It will be difficult to draw a map that factors in potential growth areas, but that said - this Map does an excellent job of doing so. Potential population growth will be the highest in Bozeman, Missoula, Kalispell, Billings and Helena in all likelihood - with Bozeman and Missoula areas growing the fastest. Therefore these two areas should not be placed in the same District or the representation will become lopsided quickly within a few Congressional election cycles. I fully expect the Commission to go with CP - 11 over CP - 10. Not because of fairness or logic or data or reason. But because there are 3 democrats and 2 republicans on the Commission and the Chairperson is a democrat. So no real mystery as to how this is going to turn out. Shameful for all concerned if my prediction comes true.

I support map #10. Neither feels perfect to me, but this one keeps Western and Eastern Montana separated in a way that makes more sense. It includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District, allowing for a stronger voice for the tribes in the new western district. Both districts are compact, contiguous and nearly equal population. It ties together the main watershed regions of the Western Divide counties in Montana for tourism, power generation and mussel invasive species defense, which includes long scientific research and culturally connected major bodies of water. It keeps communities of interests centered on tourism and service industries together which are all shared between Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls. I would also urge you to make sure you are following the Montana State Code and the rules laid out for redistricting including: (3) A district may not be drawn for the purposes of favoring a political party or an incumbent legislator or member of congress. . It is obvious to me that map #11 (which I oppose) is attempting to split Whitefish out of Flathead County is for political reasons and gain. and map #11. While neither map is perfect, I would have huge concerns about the legality of this map: (3) A district may not be drawn for the purposes of favoring a political party or an incumbent legislator or member of congress. The following data or information may not be considered in the development of a plan: (a) addresses of incumbent legislators or members of congress; (b) political affiliations of registered voters; It is obvious to me that Whitefish was split out of Flathead County for political reasons. Please vote no in this map.

I support keeping Flathead County intact, it makes absolutely no sense to separate the communities affected. I didn't realize that Whitefish has more in common politically with Lincoln County than Kalispell. I like the idea of having the Blackfeet and Flathead Reservations in the same district. I support CP10.

Please follow MCA 5-1-115. Boundaries must be compact and continuous without regard to voting records or if one area votes predominately republican or democrat; that is not in criteria. Again, please follow the law.

If possible to get within 1 percent balance, Gallatin could be kept whole in the Eastern district because it's adjacent, not 100 miles away needing a gerrymander. Further, Gallatin in the east is a better growth balancer over the long term, meaning the 2030 redistricting will be comparatively minor. This CP10 is the most rational option remaining.

I prefer map 10 of the two choices because Flathead County should not be split and it is absurd to include Flathead in the Eastern district.

Keep the Flathead together and in the West! What does Kalispell have in common with Ekalaka compared with substantially any town/city in the Western district? Up with 10! Down with 11!

This map I believe to be a fair compromise without pulling a largely populated area from an area that is in a different part of the state geographically as in Map 11.

Keeping 'ultra conservative' Flathead County to head up the Western portion of Montana is desirable. I also support Commissioner Abell's comment regarding this map. Without Derek Skees' hard work on this venture, we may not have had a workable outcome at large.

Map CP-10 is a terrible map that is based on trying to care out specific party districts and it does not comply with the Montana statutes and constitutional requirements. Please throw out this map and select may CP-1, as it's the best map that is adhering to the law.

I prefer map 10 of the two choices. Flathead County is not in the Eastern Portion of the State.

I support this map as it much more fairly represents true Eastern and Western Districts. As a general rule I do not like splitting counties for political benifit to either party.

I believe the historical maps are a valuable resource when considering the current redistricting. That said, I prefer this map because it most closely aligns with the historical maps and it keeps Flathead County in district 1 where I believe it has more economic features in common than if it were in district 2.

I like this map. It appears to be a natural east vs. west split for population. Yes, both sides probably favor republicans, but unless you do major questionable Gerrymandering, it always will. What's wrong with this since most of the state is republican? It is unfair to split it purposely so that democrats get a rep. Look at our last election- Montanan's want republicans.

10 makes the most sense. Please choose this map.

This map does a far better job of fairly dividing the Eastern and Western Districts keeping all areas west of the divide in the Western Distrct. I cannot see how you can consider Bozeman and Livingston as "Western Montana".

I am the Flathead Co. Commissioner for district 1 and while I don't believe this map is perfect it at least keeps all of my district in the western congressional district. Please support this map

Keep Flathead County together

Flathead County should be kept as one area in redistricting. It does not make sense to add us to an eastern district which is on the other side of the divide. This has always been the dividing line.

Flathead County should stay as part of a district on the west side with other west side counties. It makes no sense to split it and add it into the eastern map, when the Divide has always been used as a geographical barrier.

I support map CP10. This map shows more balance and equity in the districts.

I support map CP10. It's division more fairly represents the state.

of choice between 10 and 11, 10 seems to best meet the common sense (versus political) test. Actually Map 1, in my opinion was the best choice and, if possible, revival of it for top consideration would be desirable.

Between maps 10 & 11, 10 clearly makes the most sense. The Flathead Valley is in WESTERN Montana and should be represented as such.

This map makes more sense because it is more of a natural geographical divide of the east and west districts. It also keeps a couple reservations in the western district.

I support map #10, IF they are our only options. This map keeps Western and Eastern Montana separated in a way that makes most sense. It includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District, allowing for a strong voice for the tribes in the new western as well as the Eastern district. Both districts are compact, contiguous and of nearly equal population. It keeps communities of interest centered on tourism and service industries together which are all shared between Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls. I would also urge you to make sure you are following the Montana State Code and the rules laid out for redistricting including: (3) A district may not be drawn for the purposes of favoring a political party or an incumbent legislator or member of congress. . It appears to me that map #11 (which I oppose) is attempting to split Whitefish out of Flathead County is for political reasons and gain.

Like many others it seems that CP1 (or similar) would be the best as it splits the state more in a straight line. But this would keep most of the western counties on the western "half" of the state.

I feel that CP10 better represents the people of Montana. Even though we are all Montanans, we have different challenges that are greatly created by the divide. Even though this may not be perfect, with the 2 maps on the table, I feel this one will give the people in both districts the best opportunity to address the issues that are most important to their communities.

After evaluating the many aspects and criteria of redistricting, my choice is Map 10.

This mp keeps Kalispell in the west. Kalispell has different issues than the east side.

Although I preferred an earlier version (CP 1), Montanan’s now only have two choices so I have to support this one over CP11. It is obvious that this map had some give and take to meet direction from the deciding official to make a competitive district when the previous 9 maps were rejected. Although I have some reservations of how this map was drawn it has an advantage over CP11 to serve the interests of ALL Montanan’s regardless of political ideology. I hope that the final decision does not come down to making a district more competitive for one party, this is not what the redistricting process is about nor is allowed by law.

I think CP10 is more reasonable

Please choose CP10. Thank you.

I like map 10. Better balance and is compact. Doe not sneak over the divide into Flathead. Very close in population. Everybody is not going to be happy. This map does best job. There will be neighbors that live across road from each other that will be in different districts.

We vote on Map 10. It makes the most sense for all. The numbers are within reason so why change it? Looks like obvious Political motivation. Stop trying to divide people in all aspects. Enough. There is no way Flathead County is in the Eastern part of Montana.

I like Map CP 10 because It includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District, allowing for a stronger voice for the tribes in the new western district, and is compact, contiguous and nearly equal population. I dislike Map CP 10 because it divides Gallatin County which is the fastest growing county in Montana. You need to look at a new map that does not divide any of large population counties. You need to follow MCA 5-1-115 the Redistricting Criterial.

This map, CP 10 makes more sense than the other.

Map 10 - I like this map because it presents the most fair split. It keeps Flathead County in the Western District where it belongs. It helps keep the communities supported by forest production and tourism together and gives them voice. It also complies with the Montana Constitution and keeps the communities of interest together better than Map CP-11

I prefer map 10 over map 11. We live in Park County. Map 10 would place Park County and most of Gallatin County in the Eastern district. As a Park County business owner and rancher, we conduct most business with locations that would be in the Eastern District (Billings, Bozeman, Big Timber, etc.). Perhaps more importantly, our values are aligned more closely with the rural/agricultural values of the Eastern District.

Flathead county belongs with the western part of the state. I think this map maps the districts more even and fair. The point of it is not to lump similar beliefs together, but rather to have a fair representation of the areas.

This map makes the most sense to me in fairness.

This makes sense from a geographic and political point of view. It allows western counties separated from eastern counties by geography to have a shared voice. Due to the impact of geography on the population of Montana, it is important the 2 distinct regions of Montana have their own voices. This map is the more logical and fair of the two maps being proposed.

I support map #10. Neither feel perfect to me, but this one keeps Western and Eastern Montana separated in a way that makes more sense. It includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District, allowing for a stronger voice for the tribes in the new western district. Both districts are compact, contiguous and nearly equal population. It ties together the main watershed regions of the Western Divide counties in Montana for tourism, power generation and mussel invasive species defense, which includes long scientific research and culturally connected major bodies of water. It keeps communities of interests centered on tourism and service industries together which are all shared between Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls. I would also urge you to make sure you are following the Montana State Code and the rules laid out for redistricting including: (3) A district may not be drawn for the purposes of favoring a political party or an incumbent legislator or member of congress. . It is obvious to me that map #11 (which I oppose) is attempting to split Whitefish out of Flathead County is for political reasons and gain.

I like this map because both districts are compact, contiguous and nearly equal population

Please choose this Map CP-10. Thank you for serving.

This drafting is considerably better than its counterpart, #11, as it unites the constituency of Flathead County in a logical, common-sense manner. Despite outcries from opposition for "ideological divides", the primary reason voting districts are to register voting groups based upon geographic regions, not ideologies. Because we all know, ideologies can shift rapidly, county lines, not so much so...

I am in favor of Map 10. Very clear and well thought out comments in favor of this Map.

I like this split better than the others

yes to map 10. There is not going to be a perfect map that makes everyone happy, (although someone indicated that a Tonya Dyas proposed map comes close.) Nonetheless both of these maps submitted by the commission, do split a county. However we (my husband and I) submit to you our observations that we believe favor map 10 as the better map. Assuming one goal is to have equal population between the two districts and to have the most equal racial/ethnic diversity then, although both maps deal with total population, there is a greater difference between the 2 maps in a disproportionate number of native and white populations. I believe someone already brought this up but to reiterate: Map10 shows 17,908 more White individuals in District 1 and 17,490 more Native individuals in District 2. Map 11 shows 35,338 more White individuals in District 1 and 36,280 more Native individuals in District 2. So seems to us that Map 10 does the best job of equally dividing the 2 districts based on total population, and in racial and ethnic diversity. Next Map 10 keeps everything more compact and contiguous, which is MT law. It won't be compact if a representative from the eastern district has to travel a long distance to campaign in the eastern side. Nor is it compact when the flathead is separated by the Divide but still in the eastern district. Makes no sense. Map 10 allows the skiing and the tourism within the flathead county to remain connected (whitefish and Lakeside), Map 10 also, keeps the communities of interest in the west together ( tourism and forest production). Lastly, this would be the first time EVER in MT history that a congressional map would split a county west of the divide (flathead ) and put it in an eastern district , when flathead county has NO political, economic or cultural ties with the majority of counties in the eastern district. Also Map 11 isolates 1 tribe group from all the other tribes. All in all, Map 11 looks to us like it could be a partisan attempt to split flathead county along political lines? I submit therefore to you that Map 10 for these reasons and more, is the better choice. thank you for your consideration.

I think this is the most fair - and constitutionally - correct map.

This map has several important features to consider, including adherence to Montana law and the Constitution; all other considerations should fall second to this one. Further, this map provides for compact, contiguous, and nearly equal population representation while doing a better job of keeping communities of interest together than Map CP-11 does. Of further importance, this map keeps Flathead County in the Western District, providing for a stronger voice for both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations. Importantly, it keeps communities of interest united, including the tourism and service industries as well as medical communities. Overall, this is the better choice.

Wow the commission had 9 maps, no wait after meeting there are now 11, lets move the goal posts. I am not for this map as much as I was for CP-1, I suggest bring CP-1 back and toss CP-10 and 11.

I believe that this map represents a fair representation of the needs of Western Montana and Eastern Montana and best represents what former Western Representative Pat Williams announced that he favored on YouTube.com

I am of the mindset that Flathead County should not be divided. Map #10 is the best option for the state of Montana's constituency!

Map #10 is clearly split up way better than map 11. Having half of Flathead county in the same district as Miles city makes no sense.

I prefer map number 10

Yes to map #10

I have a unique perspective, in part due to my age and in part due to my past work-life experience. In 1971 I worked for the Congressman from the Western District as a staff member, serving both as his personal aide and briefly as his press secretary (Richard Shoup). We worked occasionally with the congressman from the Eastern District since, as Montanans, we had some major issues in common. I will say most pointedly that we also addressed vastly different issues and interests due to economics and geography. At that time, neither of our districts would have been well suited to address the issues of the other district. Timber sales and tourism were hardly the purview of the east side, nor were oil production and farming that of the west side. The districting of that time worked fluidly and all Montanans were well represented; I remember not a single complaint about the way the eastern and western districts were divided. Moving to today, I cannot see that much has changed--at least nothing that should logically move Flathead County into a district with the counties on the east side of the state. As a citizen of the Flathead, I also would feel terribly UNDERrepresented by a congressman whose major constituency was that of the east side of the state. Finally, let Montanans be Montanans. We're an independent lot as our history proves, having had numerous outstanding Republicans AND Democrats as officeholders. Let Montanans be Montanans and decide based on their economics, mutual interests and the individual running for office. The only fair way to do that is with Map 10, and NOT with an artificially contrived districting line that attempts to stack the political deck. Respectfully, Kathleen (Riedel) Burt

I prefer map 10

This district is the best way, most fair split

CP10 is the better choice. It follows the parameters of the redistricting law. CP10 does a significantly better job of equally dividing districts based not only on total population, but also in racial and ethnic diversity. The Native American populations in the Western district will have a stronger voice in CP10 than they would if the other map is chosen. Please consider this fact when choosing

I prefer map #10.

When evaluating this map(10) compared to the alternative map (11). There are obvious community "splits" in both, but one must ask: 1) Is the split of Gallatin county reasonable given the balance of the county placed in the east is rural, and arguably more of a part of the Park county/Billings community, than part of the Bozeman/Belgrade valley? The answer: YES, given the fact that the other larger communities of Flathead County, and the two northwestern Indian reservations remain together as per their expressed wishes. Because Montana is faced with two maps that split one county in each, we must choose the map that is least disruptive to the communities (as the constitution requires). This map 10 clearly is the least disruptive to communities and should be chosen. I support this map 10 (over the alternative (11)).

I prefer this map over CP 11. Flathead County is in the West with similar communities of interest. Keeps 2 reservations in each of the district representation, and is a deviation of 0%.

This is much better! It keeps the west together.

The one thing I appreciate about this map compared with the alternative choice of map 11, is that this gives more voice to the Native American presence in the western district as has historically not been true.

I like this map because it complies with Montana law and the Constitution Both districts are compact, contiguous and nearly equal population It includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District, allowing for a stronger voice for the tribes in the new western district It keeps the communities of interest in the West that are predominantly forest production and tourism together Both districts include a Canada Interface, but this map keeps communities of interest together better than Map CP-11

I really don't like either map and would rather you go with Map 1 that was originally, however if these are the only 2 maps we have to pick from then I like Map 10 the best because it keeps the communities of interest in the west that are predominantly forest production and tourism together. It keeps our communities of interests centered around tourism and service industries together which are all shared between glacier national park, kalispell, whitefish and columbia falls. Map 10 complies best with the Montana law and the constitution where both districts are compact, contiguous and nearly equal in population. also, both districts include a canada interface but this map keeps communities of interest together better than Map Cp 11

Redistricting must ensure population equality, compactness, contiguity and compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act. There is no Constitutional authority to inject a "competitiveness" component into the process. Competitiveness is subjective, and exists only in the minds of the beholder. I reject Map 11 and I support Map 10.

Map 10 seems to be a more logical approach than map 11 for how Flathead County, Blackfeet Reservation and Gallatin County is viewed. MSU/UM were put on different sides of Divide for a purpose with different missions at each university. Ag in eastern MT and Ag relation with MSU and Gallatin County should be in the east to coordinate Ag goals with the voting population of eastern Montana.

Map 10 – I like this map because it keeps Flathead County in the Western District. This is important because: It includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District, allowing for a stronger voice for the tribes in the new western district It keeps the communities of interest in the West that are predominantly forest production and tourism together It keeps communities of interests centered on tourism and service industries together which are all shared between Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls It keeps the growing ski tourism economy united within the Flathead Valley (Whitefish and Lakeside) It keeps the shared medical communities of Logan Health Medical Center (Kalispell and Whitefish) together, which provides medical services for the entire NW Region, including the Blackfeet Reservation It ties together the main watershed regions of the Western Divide counties in Montana for tourism, power generation and mussel invasive species defense, which includes long scientific research and culturally connected major bodies of water Map 10 also complies with Montana law and the Constitution. Both districts are compact, contiguous and nearly equal population. Both districts include a Canada Interface, but this map keeps communities of interest together better than Map CP-11

It's tiering to see Gallatin County keep getting split. Leave it whole. Do not split counties. I like this may better than the others but you should keep counties whole. TEM

I support Map 10 because it: (1) keeps Flathead County in the Western District--including both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations--for a stronger tribal voice; (2) keeps forest production and tourism communities in the West together; (3) keeps communities centered on tourism and service industries together shared between Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls; (4) keeps the growing ski tourism economy united within the Flathead Valley (Whitefish and Lakeside); (5) keeps the shared medical communities of Logan Health Medical Center (Kalispell and Whitefish) together, providing medical services for the entire NW Region, including the Blackfeet Reservation; and (6) ties the main watershed regions of the Western Divide counties in Montana for tourism, power generation, and mussel invasive-species defense together. Additionally, Map 10 complies with MT Constitution re: compact, contiguous, near-equal population districts.

I support this map as the best possible choice for redistricting our congressional districts. It does the best job at splitting up the fastest growing counties in the state so it should hold its even population longer than the other choices.

I support this map as the best possible choice for redistricting our congressional districts. It does the best job at splitting up the fastest growing counties in the state so it should hold its even population longer than the other choices.

I support CP10. It appears there are two goals: first is to have equal population between the two districts, and second, based on the parameters provided, appears to be equal racial/ethnic diversity. Both proposals accommodate total population. Where we see a greater difference between the two proposals is a disproportionate number of White and Native populations. CP10 shows 17,908 more White individuals in District 1 and 17,490 more Native individuals in District 2. CP11 shows 35,338 more White individuals in District 1 and 36,280 more Native individuals in District 2. Thus, CP10 does a significantly better job of equally dividing districts based not only on total population, but also in racial and ethnic diversity. CP10 is the better choice.

Map 10 – I like this map because it complies with Montana law and the Constitution. Both districts are compact, contiguous and nearly equal population. Both districts include a Canada Interface, but this map keeps communities of interest together better than Map CP-11.

Please refer to Montana Code Annotated 2021 5-1-115 which states the redistricting criteria for state and federal districts...competitive is NOT a legal criterion... Competition comes from QUALITY candidates. This map is better than map 11 (11 violates 2-c,d, and 3 a-d which puts it in violation of the federal Voting Rights Act). Map 10 complies with all sections of Code 5-1-115 making it legal by state and federal standards.

Neither map is ideal, but this seems to be the better of the two in that it will accommodate the strong growth in Gallatin county by keeping populations relatively equal over time by having some of the county represented in both districts. I find it interesting that in non-partian areas where maps are drawn, such as school sports, Bozeman is always linked in the East with schools in Great Falls and Billilngs, but here, where politics is involved Bozeman is put in the Western district. At least this avoids some of the more ridiculous groupings of far Eastern and Western Montana proposed in the other map.

This is the logical choice which I support. Many counties in eastern Mont. have more in common with No. Dakota than Flathead county.

Of the 2 choices now facing us I like this map the best however Map 1 is still the best in my opinion. These two maps appear to only consider republican vs democrat which is contrary to what is intended when splitting the districts

Cp10 is better than CP 11 as it distributes the state more evenly

This is the better map for keeping communities together and preserving east and west. The logistics of a congressman representing both Kalispell and Broadus would be absurd. Please support this map.

Map CP-10 complies with the law by equalizing population, drawing contiguous boundaries and keeping the district compact.

Map 11 complies with the Montana Constitution although Map1 should be resurrected. 10 keeps the communities of interest together better centered on tourism and service industry between Glacier, Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls. These areas must be grouped together. The CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations are together in the Western district for a stronger voice. Medical communities of Logan Health are kept together for Kalispell and Whitefish. The main watersheds in the West are united for environmental control of invasive species and for power generation. Helena is an eastern divide city and must remain in the eastern side of the map. It has NO commonalities with Missoula and would be totally and unfairly overwhelmed by the university votes of Missoula and Bozeman. Map 11 puts Helena on the Western side which is totally unfair, as Helena identifies with the East and not with the University towns of Missoula and Bozeman. Splitting Flathead is not rational or wise and the Canadian interface of map11 separates the tourism of Blackfeet and Flathead. One Tribe is isolated by map11 to reduce its voice. That said, it is ILLEGAL to consider competitiveness. This map is obviously gerrymandered to give voting blocks and lobbyists in each district a voice stronger than the rural communities, which is trying to mandate winners and losers. THAT is NOT your job!! Map one was a truer representation of the Constitution and HB506! Your partisanship and disregard for the Rule of Law is duly noted! If you will deny law then agree on a defensible standard used to define competitiveness, use the US House races to measure it, and use races OUTSIDE of 2020 that have been shown to be tainted.

I really liked map 5 the best but this will have to do because it keeps the Flathead in the west. It's sad that Gallatin is divided:-( We need a map that considers dividing the reservations close to equal and the fast growing populations close to equally divided. This is not about being partisan but about being fair for everyone.

These 2 additional maps (10 and 11) seem to be based entirely on trying to gain votes for one or the other parties. Map 1, was a far better map based on what law requires. So, my preference if map 1. But between these 2 maps, 10 is a better map. Map 10 includes 2 Native American communities. This would at least give them more of a voice in the West. With only 1 community represented in the west with map 11, the Native American voice will be completely lost. For this reason alone, if the choice has to be made between these 2 maps, map 10 should be chosen over map 11. Other things of great concern - map 11 provides extremely low exposure for the western district with our Canadian border, and Flathead is clearly not part of eastern Montana. However, once again, map 1 was superior to both of these maps.

I support this map because it is a balance division of the state, meets the requirements for districting and gives Montanans an equal voice.

If the goal is for the two districts to be equal in population, then this map looks like it accomplishes that goal well. It also makes sense to me that the west and the east tend to have opposing interests, so this map offers balance as well. Something had to give in order to hit the 50/50 split, so the carving up of Gallatin county probably served best to accomplish this goal while maintaining balance.

Of the last two options presented, I like this one best although I am not in favor of splitting Bozeman. One of the criteria is like interests. I don't see that half of Bozeman would have different interests than the other. I like map one best.

This redistricting map makes a whole lot of sense to me. I hope it ends up being selected!

not the best option but better than CP11. Flathead county is obviously not the East.

Subject: Congressional Redistricting Map Chair Smith and Commissioners, The two newly proposed maps (CP-10 and CP-11) are terrible maps as they are based on trying to carve out specific party districts and do not comply with Montana statutes and constitutional requirements. Please throw out these two new maps and select map CP-1 as it’s the best map that adheres to the law. Thank you for your consideration. Karen Cramer

No map will be perfect but CP10 more evenly splits the state allowing for a better balance of interests and services. Flathead should be in the Western Disctrict. All cities and towns are growing with populations with out of state ideas and this map will give rural Montana a voice.

– I like this map because it keeps Flathead County in the Western District. This is important because: • It includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District, allowing for a stronger voice for the tribes in the new western district • It keeps the communities of interest in the West that are predominantly forest production and tourism together • It keeps communities of interests centered on tourism and service industries together which are all shared between Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls • It keeps the growing ski tourism economy united within the Flathead Valley (Whitefish and Lakeside) • It keeps the shared medical communities of Logan Health Medical Center (Kalispell and Whitefish) together, which provides medical services for the entire NW Region, including the Blackfeet Reservation • It ties together the main watershed regions of the Western Divide counties in Montana for tourism, power generation and mussel invasive species defense, which includes long scientific research and culturally connected major bodies of water

I strongly urge you to approve Map CP-10 because it keeps Flathead County in the Western District. This is important because: • It includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations, allowing a stronger voice for the tribes, • It keeps communities of interests centered on tourism and service industries together which are all shared between Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls, • It keeps the shared medical communities of Logan Health Medical Center (Kalispell and Whitefish) together, which provides medical services for the entire NW Region, including the Blackfeet Reservation, and • It ties together culturally connected major bodies of water in the Western Divide counties of Montana for hydro generation and invasive species defense. This map also complies with Montana law and the Constitution. • Both districts are compact, contiguous, and nearly equal population. • While both districts include a Canada Interface, this map keeps communities of interest together better than Map CP-11. I urge you to reject Map CP-11 because: • It a partisan attempt to split the Flathead along political lines, • For the first time ever in Montana history, this map splits Flathead County and puts it in an Eastern District, • Flathead County has zero political, economic, or cultural ties with the vast number of counties in the Eastern District, • It isolates one tribal community from all other tribal communities, and • This map clearly was drawn considering “competitiveness” which is illegal and not included in Montana law or the Constitution.

CP10 is my choice for the next decade. It more evenly splits the state east and west allowing the representative compactness. Keeping the Flathead communities whole is beneficial for the Glacier park tourism, Big Mountain Skiing, lumber industries, and the connection with the border that the Flathead enjoys. CP10 combines at least two reservations together in one district which will give them a stronger voice. I urge the committee to choose CP10 for it complies with Montana state law and the constitution.

I like this map because it keeps Flathead County in the Western District. This is important because it includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District, allowing for a stronger voice for the tribes in the new western district, it keeps the communities of interest in the West that are predominantly forest production and tourism together, it keeps communities of interests centered on tourism and service industries together which are all shared between Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls, it keeps the growing ski tourism economy united within the Flathead Valley (Whitefish and Lakeside), it keeps the shared medical communities of Logan Health Medical Center (Kalispell and Whitefish) together, which provides medical services for the entire NW Region, including the Blackfeet Reservation.

I like this map because it keeps Flathead County in the Western District. This is important because: • It includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District, allowing for a stronger voice for the tribes in the new western district • It keeps the communities of interest in the West that are predominantly forest production and tourism together • It keeps communities of interests centered on tourism and service industries together which are all shared between Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls • It keeps the growing ski tourism economy united within the Flathead Valley (Whitefish and Lakeside) • It keeps the shared medical communities of Logan Health Medical Center (Kalispell and Whitefish) together, which provides medical services for the entire NW Region, including the Blackfeet Reservation • It ties together the main watershed regions of the Western Divide counties in Montana for tourism, power generation and mussel invasive species defense, which includes long scientific research and culturally connected major bodies of water Map 10 – I like this map because it complies with Montana law and the Constitution

I like this map because it keeps Flathead County in the Western District. This is important because: • It includes both the CSKT and Blackfeet Reservations in the Western District, allowing for a stronger voice for the tribes in the new western district • It keeps the communities of interest in the West that are predominantly forest production and tourism together • It keeps communities of interests centered on tourism and service industries together which are all shared between Glacier National Park, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls • It keeps the growing ski tourism economy united within the Flathead Valley (Whitefish and Lakeside) • It keeps the shared medical communities of Logan Health Medical Center (Kalispell and Whitefish) together, which provides medical services for the entire NW Region, including the Blackfeet Reservation • It ties together the main watershed regions of the Western Divide counties in Montana for tourism, power generation and mussel invasive species defense, which includes long scientific research and culturally connected major bodies of water

Map 10 – I like this map because it complies with Montana law and the Constitution • Both districts are compact, contiguous and nearly equal population • Both districts include a Canada Interface, but this map keeps communities of interest together better than Map CP-11

Fair split of districts as they are still growing.

CP10 map is the better map. This is a decent compromise that gives the eastern district at least 2 larger cities (Helena and Billings). The reservation are more equally distributed giving more importance to the tribal input. This map also more fairly divides the college towns.

I like this map because it tries to follow the law of compact and contiguous, commonality of interest( the reason for putting Bozeman in the West with the other University town. It also splits the growth areas and has two tribal nations in the West and shared Canadian Border. As a big state with a small representative delegation(2) it would be nice to have them both, regardless of party, to have many mutual concerns so common ground might be found. This map attempts to do just that.

I like this map as it tries to address the complains about the prior maps. It satisfies the request to Universities in the same district and does not split Bozeman, a high growth area. It gives both districts the need to consider issues with our Canadian border and adds a second tribal nation to the Western district increasing the importance of their concerns. Once again I ask my fellow Montanans how to make a "competitive" district in a state with 67 Republican legislators and 33 Democratic representatives without using illegal criterion?

Lets face it - First, there will NEVER be a map that everyone is pleased with. Second, the only map YOU are likely to prefer is the one you feel gives the most advantage to the political party of your choosing, and to so say otherwise would be incredibly disingenuous. I think this map is a decent compromise. Having lived in both Gallatin and Flathead counties (two increasingly polar opposite MT counties), I feel that this division is acceptable and a more than fair representation of our state. This map keeps the majority of western Montana intact, and unlike the other map being proposed, it doesn't carve Flathead county out of the western district in an obvious attempt at keeping the Left in play. I see the complaining about cutting Gallatin county in two - but the fact is that Bozeman is still included in the western district, so frankly I don't understand the huge fuss. In regards to placing Helena in the eastern district, what is your alternative? To place every larger city in Montana (except Billings) into the western district?? That's obvious Gerrymandering if I've ever seen it. Here's the breakdown for you folks worried about 'Equity and Inclusion' - Missoula - Heavily Blue, Bozeman - increasingly Blue, Butte - Blue, Whitefish - Blue, Kalispell - Red, and the only major 'red' city in the western district. If anyone should be complaining about this or ANY map that's been proposed, it should be conservatives (i.e. the VAST majority of Montanans). Choosing any map but this one is just an obvious attempt by those on the Left to grasp at their last hopes of having influence in this increasingly red state. As far as I'm concerned, the influence of people moving here from Seattle, and Los Angeles should be kept to a bare minimum - Montana should be spoken for by MONTANANS.

I can live with this map, as it fairly divides the two college towns. It just shows that republicans are more willing to compromise. Although she is supposed to remain non-partisan, commissioner Maylinn Smith (who was selected, not elected!) needs to do the right thing for all Montanans. I am doubtful though, as she has donated money exclusively in the past to democratic candidates, including to Jon Tester.

This map is a great compromise and has my full support.

Shared Canada border: somewhat; reservations equally distributed: somewhat; terrain and space evenly distributed, somewhat; main university towns equally represented: somewhat -- county divided to make this happen, somewhat; overall population evenly distributed between the districts, yes; gerrymandered, no. I believe Montana has its new congressional map. Good work! Thank you to everyone who submitted maps and commentary, attended hearings, and understands that this process isn't about equity. If you look at the literature, 'equity', as a term of prominent concern, doesn't even appear until 2017, and its been put in use by the Left without the consent and/or approval of everyone else. Equity in theory is reactionary; in practice, for a people brought up on individual rights in a free market economy, it's unreal. Montana isn't going to fold to that. Despite the push to place new buzzwords like 'equity' into the mainstream, the majority in Montana still embraces the premise that how things end up for YOU is up to YOU; it's not up to me. If we have to hike and I have my good boots on but you chose to wear flip-flops, isn't it in YOUR best interest to just run home or to the store and get your own boots? Would you REALLY rather prefer instead that I give you one of my boots, making us BOTH equally miserable? No. You need to take accountability for your choices and mistakes. You're NOT going to bring down people who chose differently. Not here anyway.