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 Arkansas

In Arkansas, maps are drawn by an Apportionment Board consisting of the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State.

In addition to the federal requirements of one person, one vote and the Voting Rights Act, Arkansas’ state constitution requires that state Senate districts: 

  • be contiguous 
  • keep counties whole 

The Apportionment Board lists other criteria to consider, though they are not required by law. These include: 

  • compactness
  • maintaining the core of existing districts
  • respecting communities of interest
  • continuity of representation (avoiding pairing incumbents)

In the redistricting process, your state considers communities of interest (COIs). A community of interest is a population in a specific geographical area that shares common economic, social, cultural, ethnic, religious, or even political interests. Add your community to contribute your voice to the redistricting process.

See community maps drawn in Arkansas