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?

video placeholder image

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?

Districts illustration with pencil

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.

Districts illustration with pencil
Your neighborhood
Districts illustration with pencil
People you want to choose representatives with
Districts illustration with pencil
A local group connected by an interest
NEXT

Redistricting in your state:

In West Virginia, districts are drawn by the Legislature by ordinary statute, and are subject to the Governor's veto. The Legislature can override vetoes with a simple majority vote in each chamber.

In addition to the federal requirements of one person, one vote and the Voting Rights Act, West Virginia’s state constitution requires that state legislative and congressional districts: 

  • be compact
  • be contiguous
  • preserve county lines. 

The Senate Redistricting Act of 2011 further stipulated that state Senate districts took into account communities of interest.

In the redistricting process, your state has considered communities of interest (COIs). Though currently undefined under state law, a community of interest is typically a population that shares cultural, historical, or 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 West Virginia