In my year long redistricting journey, I’ve come across many resources. But a few were standouts as more helpful than the rest. If you are looking to learn more, than you’ve come to the right place. Some of these I wish I’d found sooner!
#1 Dave’s Redistricting App
Dave’s app is phenomenal. It is easy to use and, best of all, free!
The app is kind of like an online software with no installation. It lets you pick your state, the version of data to use (I recommend always going with the most current), and select how many districts you need. Then your ready to start coloring!
It is available for every state except Alaska. You can save your map to your computer and then open it up later through his website app (launch Dave’s App).
Cons: you can’t select by municipality, only Voting District. This means that stray voting district can get separated from the rest of the town or township if you aren’t careful.
#2 Nevada News and Views
Article: Everything You Always Wanted to Know about GOP’s Redistricting Plan
With explanations in plain English, this offered invaluable help for anyone trying to understand minority-majority districts and congressional redistricting rules. True, it all specifically applies to Nevada. But there are universal principles that carry over into any state redistricting plan. I referenced this a lot whenever I felt myself getting lost in technical jargon.
#3 Redistricting Online
Their website gave a great big picture perspective and houses excellent resources from all over the place. Navigation is a little difficult so I will point out some of the more helpful areas (mostly their section on Redistricting Law).
- Federal Laws Governing the Redistricting Process
- What are Traditional Redistricting Principles?
- Uploads originally from the National Conference of State Legislatures (the NCSL site is not the easiest to navigate so their highlight of resources is helpful). They include:
#4 State of Minnesota
The Minnesota Senate’s Department of Research and Analysis posted numerous redistricting resources (several from the NCSL, only in a more accessible format) under two sections of their website: Treatises and Presentations. They are really helpful, including the two highlighted below.
#5 State of Iowa
Document: Redistricting in Iowa
Defining overall variant is not an easy thing. This packet from Iowa explained and illustrated precisely how this should be calculated.
Official Resources:
Have you found a redistricting resource that is helpful? Comment below to keep the list growing!
