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- iHaveNet.com: Politics
by Danielle Kurtzleben
Census data is more accessible now than ever before
This week, the
Redistricting has been the esoteric province of partisan operatives seemingly since the early 19th century when Massachusetts Gov. Elbridge Gerry signed a law creating districts so contorted that opponents said one resembled a salamander or "Gerrymander." But technological advances are giving ordinary citizens a greater voice in this decennial process.
It is increasingly easy, for example, for constituents to obtain the census and state electoral data used in redrawing the maps. In 2000, 26 states made data publicly available, up from 22 in 1990, and the number of states accepting public map submissions also grew to 31 from 24 in 1990. It is too early to tell how many more states will follow suit this year. But now, numerous outside groups have access to the data and are able to disseminate it independently. In addition, the advent and easy accessibility of digital data and mapping software have helped simplify the art of drawing districts.
"Citizens can definitely be more active in the redistricting process than ever before," says J. Gerald Hebert, executive director of the Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan organization which works on campaign finance and elections. Florida, for example, is launching a website allowing citizens to submit redistricting plans. Many other states also have sites providing detailed information, including proposed maps. Some organizations outside of government have also created online mapping tools. In Iowa, for example, the Des Moines Registerwebsite allows users to draw their own maps. And the
Reform advocates say technology is democratizing a process that has often led to partisan gerrymandering and incumbent protection. "Every 10 years, [our representatives] get to vote for us," says Micah Altman, a senior fellow at the
Still, it is debatable whether citizens' power in redrawing districts has advanced proportionally with technology. Aside from computer access, a citizen hoping to influence redistricting may need significant knowledge and clout. "It's far more complicated than people realize," says Tim Storey, senior fellow at the
According to Steven Schier, professor of political science at
But Altman says that citizens can effectively voice their concerns on a community level, "saying to legislators, 'Here's my neighborhood. Please don't split it up.'" In short, the wide availability of data can help communities with common interests ensure that their voices are heard as one, at least for 10 more years.
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Technology Gives Citizens a Say in Redistricting | Politics
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