AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine House of Representatives has given initial approval to a measure that would amend the state Constitution to shrink the size of the House.

The version that won a lopsided preliminary endorsement Wednesday calls for cutting the number of House districts from 151 to 131.

Such a change, which would require voter approval by statewide referendum, would increase district populations from about 8,400 to about 10,000.

The 35-member state Senate would not be affected.

The House will take a second preliminary look at the measure before it moves to the Senate.