Many Upper Dublin residents will likely be represented by a new respresentative in the Pennsylvania State House if newly proposed redistricting changes are approved this year.

Every ten years, lawmakers are required to take new census data and make changes to state districts in order to "maintain equal representation on the basis of population," according to the Pennsylvania State Redistricting website.

After 2010 census numbers were released last winter, five state representatives and officials were appointed to the Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission to redraw district lines.

Last month, the commission published its proposals in the form of interactive maps. Using the table and bulleted desciptions below, you can find out what changes are in store for Upper Dublin. Click here to find out which ward and district you live in.

It should be noted that a special election will be held to replace Josh Shapiro (D-153) after he assumes office as Montgomery County Commissioner in January.

• Residents of 1-1, bordered by Bethlehem Pike and Fort Washington and Highland Avenues; and 1-3, an oddly shaped district that cups Ambler borough and extends east to Loch Alsh, will move from the 148th district to the 151st. Todd Stephens (R-151), as opposed to Michael Gerber (D-148), will represent them.
• Residents of 2-2, a roughly L-shaped district that is bordered by Susquehanna Road, Fort Washington Avenue, and Commerce Drive; 4-1, a large district that encompasses much of lower Fort Washington and Upper Oreland; and 4-3, bordered by Camp Hill Road, Highland Ave, Goodman Drive and Susquehanna Road, will also move to 151 from 153. Stephens, as opposed to Josh Shapiro (D-153), will represent them. A special election will be held next year to fill Shapiro's office after his move to county commissioner.
• Residents of the 2-3 district, which encompasses the area between Susquehanna and Limekiln Pike, from Mundock Road to Temple Ambler; 5-1, a long, thin district that follows west of 152 from the LuLu Country Club to Jarrettown; and 5-2, which follows east of 152 from Ardsley to the Dreshertown Shopping Center, will move to the 153rd district from the 151th. They will be represented by the winner of the special election to fill Josh Shapiro's seat, as opposed to Todd Stephens.
• Residents of the 3-2 district, which encompasses most of the area between Fitzwatertown Road and the turnpike, from Welsh Road to the Twining Valley Golf Course, will shift from the 153rd to the 152nd district. They will be represented by Tom Murt (R-152), as opposed to Josh Shapiro.

November 30, 2011 marks the last day Pennsylvania residents can file exceptions to the proposals. From that day, the state then has 30 days to make any corrections before filing a final proposal. At that time, any "aggrieved person" can than file an appeal directly to the Supreme Court. Once any judicial filings have been completed, the plan may be adopted. For a complete timeline of the redistricting process, click here.

According to state representative Todd Stephens (R-151), the changes will become effective immediately upon judicial approval of the final plan, which he projects to occur in the first week of January. However, Stephens also noted that his office will still field requests from previous constituents.

I'll do my best to help whoever cals, we don't turn anyone away here," said Stephens. "Especially because Upper Dublin is split into four districts."

Upper Dublin will remain entirely in the state senate's 12th district. Proposed changes to U.S. congressional districts have not yet been released.

Upper Dublin Patch has reached out to local officials and members of local Democratic and Republican committees for comments on the proposed changes, and will update this article upon receiving any replies.