Every ten years following the U.S. Census, the Erie County Legislative districts must be reapportioned to reflect population shifts and changes. The purpose of reapportionment is to ensure that each and every voter in Erie County has equal representation.

Currently, the Erie County Legislature exists under a weighted voting system. Each legislator is given a percentage of the whole 17 votes based on the number of residents in his or her district. For example, since based on the 2000 Census results, the 17th District has substantially more residents than the 3rd District, the legislator from the 17th's vote counts for 1.192 vote, whereas the legislator from the 3rd's, 0.793.

On February 28, 2002, the Erie County Legislature passed a reapportionment plan that included the reduction of two districts, lowering the number from 17 to 15. Following a public hearing, this plan was signed by County Executive Joel Giambra on March 14, 2002.

Since the plan reduces the size of government, the reduction must be put in front of the voters in a referendum. On Election Day, November 5, 2002, Erie County voters approved the 15-district reapportionment plan, which means that in the 2003 elections, voters will vote in 15 legislative races, for a 15-member Legislature to take office in January of 2004. At that time, weighted voting in the Erie County Legislature will come to an end.

For results on the referendum to reduce the size of the Erie County Legislature, visit http://www.erie.gov/elections/.