With the County Commission’s approval of a new map (Map 7B) expanding Orange County from six to eight commission districts, a major milestone in the voter-approved redistricting process has been reached.
Now that a new map is in place, it’s the Supervisor of Elections’ responsibility to review and update all 250-plus voting precincts in the county to ensure they align with district boundaries for federal, state, and local offices. This process, known as “reprecincting,” ensures that every voter receives the right ballot on Election Day. It’s how we make sure your vote counts in the races that represent you.
Under this process, some existing precincts — which are small geographic areas that determine where you vote on Election Day — must be split, merged or adjusted to match the new County Commission district lines. As a result, many voters will see their precinct number change before the next countywide election in August 2026. For some voters, their polling place will change, too.
Why is that the case? Let’s imagine a fictional precinct called Precinct 300. Before redistricting, Precinct 300 was entirely within County Commission District 3. Under the new map, however, part of that area now falls within District 4. As a result, Precinct 300 must be divided into two separate precincts, one in District 3 and the other in District 4, each with its own polling place.
As we redraw precincts, we’re guided by three principles. First, we want to keep voters at their current polling place whenever possible. Second, we want to keep neighborhoods intact so residents living across the street from each other aren’t assigned to different polling places. And finally, we want to prevent precincts from becoming so large that they cause long lines on Election Day. Still, some change is unavoidable.
We share this process openly because transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of representation. At a time when election misinformation continues to spread nationwide, we remain committed to earning your confidence through honesty, openness, and clear communication about how elections work right here in Orange County.
Once the reprecincting process is complete, our office will mail new Voter Information Cards to every registered voter in Orange County. Voters can expect to receive these cards after the new year. Each card lists your precinct, districts and Election Day polling place. When it arrives, take a moment to review it and confirm your information is accurate. And keep your Voter Information Card in a safe place so you can easily reference it before each upcoming election. Voters can also access this information and more 24/7 on our website at ocfelections.gov.
Orange County Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel speaks during a news conference on the first day of her taking office at the Supervisor of Elections Office in Orlando on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
Redistricting and reprecincting are about more than just drawing new lines on a map—they’re about ensuring every voter’s voice is heard and every vote counts. By keeping our maps accurate and our process transparent, we strengthen our community’s voice in government and bring democracy to life.
Karen Castor Dentel serves as the Orange County Supervisor of Elections.