Juneau -- The Alaska Senate today approved a resolution calling for the use of a physical count of the state's population when determining new legislative districts.

Senate Joint Resolution 8, sponsored by Senator Jerry Ward (R-Anchorage/Kenai) opposes the use of random sampling techniques or other statistical methods of counting Alaskans.

"The problem with a guess is that we lose the one person one vote concept," said Senator Ward. "Numbers can be artificially exaggerated to disrupt representation on the local, state and national levels. Additionally census figures are used to determine funding levels and could cost local municipalities revenues which could result in higher local taxes."

The Bureau of Census plans on using random sampling techniques or other statistical methods in the 2000 census. Senator Ward said those kinds of census-taking measures could raise serious issues of vote dilution and violate "one person, one vote" legal protections. In addition, use of sampling figures for redistricting could expose the state to protracted and costly litigation, and ultimately result in a court ruling invalidating the redistricting plan.

"An accurate census may not seem important to the average Alaskan," said Senator Ward. "But when you look at the possible misrepresentation in government, the possible increase in taxes, and the potential of lawsuits over redistricting it is very important to the average person on the street."

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
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