Why map your community?

Map with community selected

Mapping your community and identifying its shared interests allows public officials to take your community’s concerns into account during redistricing.

What is
redistricting?

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Every ten years, the United States draws new voting districts. District lines decide who votes for which representatives in local, state, and federal elections.

What is gerrymandering?

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Politicians have been splitting up or packing together communities into voting districts that silence their voices. Mapping your community of interest helps fight gerrymandering.

What is a Community of Interest?

A Community of Interest is a geographic area that shares cultural, historical, or economic interests.

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Your neighborhood
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People you want to choose representatives with
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A local group connected by an interest
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Redistricting in your state:

See community maps drawn in Montana

In Montana, maps are drawn by an independent redistricting commission.

In addition to the federal requirements of one person, one vote and the Voting Rights Act, Montana’s state constitution and state statutes require that state legislative districts: 

  • be compact
  • be contiguous 
  • preserve political subdivisions 
  • do not consider partisan data 
  • do not intentionally favor or disfavor a party or candidate for office 

The Commission adopted additional guidelines in 2010 that protect communities of interest.

In the redistricting process, your state has given discretionary consideration to communities of interest (COIs). Communities of interest can be based on geography and development, communication and transportation networks, or common social, cultural, and economic interests. Communities do not necessarily share the same political viewpoints or support for certain candidates or political parties. Add your community to contribute your voice to the redistricting process.

See community maps drawn in Montana