A Citizen's Guide to Redistricting


 

Publication Date: January 2010

Publisher: Brennan Center for Justice

Author(s): Justin Levitt

Research Area: Politics

Keywords: democracy; redistricing process; civic reform; political reform

Type: Report

Coverage: Illinois Minnesota Michigan Ohio Wisconsin

Abstract:

The Citizen’s Guide is a comprehensive look at the rules for drawing district lines, including a description of how redistricting works today, how it could work in the future, and why redistricting reform matters. It presents easy-to-follow graphics as well as in-depth, state-by-state analysis of different redistricting processes.
The release of the Citizen’s Guide began the first phase of a comprehensive public education campaign in partnership with the Midwest Democracy Network, an alliance of civic and political reform advocacy groups in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. “Redistricting often happens outside the public eye,” says Cindi Canary, executive director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform and MDN spokesperson. “A Citizen’s Guide is meant to be an ‘owners’ manual for voters, who should have more control over the process.”