Welcome to GeoCivics

Welcome to

GeoCivics Logo

 

 

Opinion:
"This is gerrymandering at its worst. It doesn't have to be that way." Explore maps from The Washington Post discussing why politicians elected under these maps face less popular accountability.  Listen to The Economist podcast, Checks and Balance for another view of the current situation as maps are approved and litigation moves through the courts.

 
Evaluation:
Read about the most transparent mapping process in the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The Committee of Seventy's Draw the Lines PA salutes The Citizen Map Corps and countless others involved in the project. Public engagement in redistricting changes how maps are constructed and discussed.
Perspective:
Wondering "whether increased accessibility of demographic data and geospatial tools will push official mapping processes to reflect more accurately the electorate in states across the country, or whether they will be manipulated to further skew district lines to favor one group"?  Read Rebecca Theobald's observations in Political Geography.

REDISTRICTING RESOURCES FOR:

 

TEACHERS
COMMUNITY MEMBERS
STUDENTS
COLLEGE INSTRUCTORS

How can I participate in REDISTRICTING?

  1. UNDERSTAND the US Census and the process for apportionment and redistricting
  2. KNOW THE RULES - be knowledgeable about YOUR state’s redistricting process
  3. DISCUSS key criteria for drawing electoral districts
  4. EXPLAIN your community
  5. CREATE your own congressional districts using a free online mapping tool
  6. CRITIQUE existing maps
  7. SHARE your knowledge
    • Encourage your family and friends to be active participants in the redistricting process
Students exploring Ohio Giant Map and Flashes of Insight Activity
Where can I find details about the redistricting process in my state?
State Resources

Please contact Rebecca Theobald in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies for more information, or complete this form.

GeoCivics © 2017 by Rebecca Theobald is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0