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Redistricting 101

This presentation, led by Justin Levitt for the League of Women Voters of Illinois, dives into the essential concepts of redistricting. It covers what redistricting is, why it is necessary, and how it affects voter representation. Participants learn about the historical and constitutional basis for redistricting, the methodologies employed in Illinois, particularly who draws district lines, and the implications for communities and minority groups. The discussion emphasizes the importance of civic engagement in the redistricting process and encourages public education and participation.

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Redistricting 101

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  1. Redistricting 101 Justin LevittLeague of Women Voters of IllinoisFebruary 6, 2010

  2. Today’s conversation • What? • Why? • Who? • Where? • How?

  3. Today’s conversation • What? • Why? • Who? • Where? • How?

  4. What is “redistricting”? • Draw (and re-draw) lines that determine which voters are represented by each legislative seat • Federal • State • Local

  5. Why re-draw district lines?                            • Population moves, creating lopsided districts where some votes are worth more than others               

  6. Constitutional mandate to redraw lines Baker v. Carr, 1962 “One person, one vote” • Districts have to have roughly equal population

  7. And so… 2000 ― 2001 ― 2010 ― 2011 ― 2020 ― 2021 ― Census Day Redistricting Census Day Redistricting Census Day Redistricting

  8. Today’s conversation • What? • Why? • Who? • Where? • How?

  9. Blunt measure #1: voter choice ~40%of state House districts ~50% of state Senate districts had no major-party challenger in 2002 drawn favoring one party by about 30%

  10. District Partisanship National Mood Election Outcome Demographic Change Candidate Type Incumbent Situation Money Raised But redistricting is only part of the process Term Limits Redistricting Campaign Finance Source: Michael McDonald & John Samples, The Marketplace of Democracy 14

  11. Blunt measure #2: shape

  12. Is she a good singer? Is this a good district? You can’t know if a district is “good,” unless you know what it’s trying to achieve

  13. Why does redistricting matter? • Politicians choosing their voters • Eliminating incumbents or challengers • Diluting minority votes • Splitting up communities Barack Obama’s house 2000 2002

  14. Today’s conversation • What? • Why? • Who? • Where? • How?

  15. Who draws the lines in Illinois • Congress: State legislature (subject to veto) • State lines: State legislature (subject to veto) and if no agreement, backup comm’n- eight members (chosen by legislative leaders) - one random tiebreaker (out of Lincoln’s hat)

  16. Today’s conversation • What? • Why? • Who? • Where? • How?

  17. The Voting Rights Act • Do minorities represent most of the voters in a concentrated area? • Do whites vote for different candidates than minorities? • Is the minority population otherwise protected given the “totality of the circumstances”? Do Not Dilute

  18. After federal law, add Illinois limitations • State legislature: • Contiguity • Compactness • Nesting • Congress: • No state limits

  19. Today’s conversation • What? • Why? • Who? • Where? • How?

  20. What can I do?

  21. Influencing redistricting (short-term) • Educate your community • Identify and map community boundaries • Attend hearings • Show where the boundaries should be

  22. The need for public education • Polls on redistricting initiatives • 14% were dissatisfied with redistricting process, 13% were satisfied, 70% had no opinion • 62-71% felt redistricting unconnected to their lives

  23. Help connect the dots • Politicians choosing their voters • Packing districts to win political control • Eliminating incumbents • Eliminating challengers • Diluting minority votes • Splitting up communities

  24. “Communities of interest” help keep legislators responsive Kansas :“Social, cultural, racial, ethnic, and economic interests common to the population of the area, which are probable subjects of legislation . . .” Can and should be different in different parts of the state

  25. Mapping community boundaries

  26. Further information Justin Levittjustin.levitt@nyu.eduBrennan Center for Justicewww.brennancenter.org Citizen’s Guide to Redistrictingwww.tinyurl.com/citizensguide

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