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:

See community maps drawn in Minnesota

In Minnesota, maps are drawn by the state Legislature by ordinary statute, and are subject to the Governor's veto.

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

  • be contiguous 
  • preserve political subdivisions

In recent redistricting cycles, the Legislature and courts have adopted additional guidelines requiring that districts:

  • preserve communities of interest 
  • do not intentionally favor or disfavor incumbents

In the redistricting process, your state has the consideration of communities of interest (COIs). Under state law, a community of interest is a population that shares clearly recognizable similarities of social, geographic, political, cultural, ethnic, 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 Minnesota