Mapping your community and identifying its shared interests allows public officials to take your community’s concerns into account during redistricing.
Every ten years, the United States draws new voting districts. District lines decide who votes for which representatives in local, state, and federal elections.
Politicians have been splitting up or packing together communities into voting districts that silence their voices. Mapping your community of interest helps fight gerrymandering.
A Community of Interest is a geographic area that shares cultural, historical, or economic interests.
In Hawaii, maps are drawn by a nine-member Reapportionment Commission, by September 28, 2021. If the Census Bureau delays releasing population data, an alternative timeline may be announced.
In addition to the federal requirements of one person, one vote and the Voting Rights Act, Hawaii’s state constitution requires that state legislative and congressional districts:
In the redistricting process, your state requires the consideration of communities of interest (COIs). Under state law, communities with substantially different socio-economic interests from the surrounding area are protected. Communities of interest 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.