The DeKalb City Clerk’s office has updated the official ward map to reflect changes voted on by the city council. Many of the changes directly affect areas where NIU students make up the bulk of the residents.

The 2000 Census data for DeKalb shows that the wards were no longer proportionate as required by law. This resulted in the city having to make some adjustments concerning the shape of the seven wards.

“I think things worked out as well as they could,” Mayor Greg Sparrow said.

One of the notable changes as of Oct. 1, is that residents of University Plaza, formally a part of the 6th ward, now are included in the 1st ward. Sixth Ward Alderman Dave Baker said the redistricting process was fair; however, he finds no joy in losing constituents.

“I was disappointed with losing University Plaza,” he said. “But it was what had to be done.”

Though he lost University Plaza, Baker’s ward now extends down to Taylor Street, an area that was in the 5th ward. This increases the number of non-students he represents on the city council; however, he still hopes to retain a strong relationship with the student population.

Student apathy at the polls remains an issue with members of the city council, but some aldermen say that with these changes, students will become more involved at election time.

“I think the redistricting will broaden the pool of candidates and will increase voter turnout,” 3rd Ward Alderman Steve Kapitan said. He added that diversifying the wards is the best thing for the city.

During the summer, city council members discussed the idea of using the redistricting requirement to adjust how the student population is represented.