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Redistricting

• Census 2010 Overview
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Redistricting refers to the process by which census data is used to redraw the lines and boundaries of electoral districts within a state.  This process affects districts at all levels of government – from local school boards, wards and city councils to state legislatures and the United States House of Representatives.  The way that district lines are drawn also influences whether or not elected officials are responsive to the needs of their communities, such as securing funding for bilingual education classes or ensuring that limited English Proficient individuals in the community have access to health care.  For those purposes and more, it is critical that census data be as accurate as possible and that community organizations work to ensure that its members fully participate in the census.

When census data is inaccurate, the reapportionment and redistricting processes do not reflect the actual needs of a given community.  Inaccurate census data not only results in lack of financial power because communities lose out on funding they needs, it also results in lack of political power.  Unfortunately, past censuses have shown that the data collected can be inaccurate, particularly for communities of color, which is why it is important for all of us to get involved in Census 2010.

Timing of redistricting:

• December 2010 - By law, Census Bureau delivers population counts to President for apportionment.
• March 2011 - By law, Census Bureau completes delivery of redistricting data to states.
• While redistricting takes place every ten years soon after the census data is received, different states will have different timelines for finishing the redistricting process. Redistricting efforts by community based organizations are likely to begin well in advance of the delivery of redistricting data by the Census Bureau, including planning and capacity-building for CBOs, meeting with other organizations participating in redistricting process, mapping by CBOs for their communities, and preparing testimony. This advance work will enable the CBOs to be ready and able to participate in the redistricting process to ensure that their communities’ interest are represented in the process and, hopefully, in the finalized redistricting map.Additionally, there may be different timelines for state and local redistricting than from the congressional redistricting timeline that may also be at play.

The Impact of Redistricting in Your Community - Provides answers to frequently asked questions, provides an overview of the legal issues affecting voting rights, details the new redistricting standards, provides a broad overview of the voting rights act and the connection between the 2000 Census and redistricting.