A new digital mapping
tool encourages community members to offer feedback on Minneapolis’s redistricting process in a hands-on way.
Common Cause Minnesota and the
League of Women Voters worked together to present the web-based map following a similar project at the state level.
Besides attending public meetings about the implications of U.S. Census changes, people can go to the website to redraw their ward and park boundaries as they see fit, according to Mike Dean, who heads Common Cause Minnesota.
The deadline for doing so is April 2.
In contrast to how the process has been done in the past, the map “lets people have more of a voice,” he says, adding, “It’s much more transparent.”
“Too often, it’s the politicians drawing lines,” he says. “For the first time, citizens can bring their own ideas.” Community members “do a good job of protecting the neighborhoods,” and more ethnic communities are weighing in this time, as well, he says.
So far, over 40 maps have been submitted, while at least 130 people have registered to use the tool.
The website includes a video tutorial along with information about terminology and factors to keep in mind while using the tool.
In the first year that this technology has been available, “We’re revolutionizing the way redistricting works,” Dean says, adding, “I think we’ll see, in the future, citizens be significantly more engaged.”
“It helps move the process along much more quickly,” he says, and he hopes it’ll result in a better map, too.
The application comes from DistrictBuilder, which is an initiative from
PublicMapping.org.
Source: Mike Dean
Writer: Anna Pratt