Virginia

Review population trends with Virginians On the Move, an interactive demonstration of population movement in the state over three time periods.

• Virginia Census Data, 1790 to 2010

Describe and map your community with online tools from Representable.org to understand what issues are important in your neighborhood and region. Use both written and geographic descriptions to explain your community.

Draw electoral districts with 2020 Census data using open-source geospatial technology tools.

• Explore Districtr and District Builder.
• Examine the "Notable Maps" detailed in Dave's Redistricting App to investigate different approaches to drawing electoral district lines.

Learn about issues in your community that are affected by people who represent you at the local, state, and national levels.

• Who else do you vote with?  Who are your elected representatives?  How did the lines change from the previous districts?  How do your city, county, school board, state, and congressional districts fit together?  Did your districts grow or shrink in area?  How would you describe your districts (competitive, gerrymandered, representative)?
• Recall the information you identified while describing your community.  What else do you need to consider when drawing districts?  What watershed do you live in?  What school districts serve your area?  What issues are decided by state legislatures and local elected bodies that you care about?
• What suggestions do you have for the people who will draw the lines in 2030?