Redistricting Round-Up April 4, 2011

Census data for all states has been released, and redistricting is well under way all across the Network . Keep up with redistricting news throughout the week at Draw the Line Midwest. Here’s some of the news from the region:

MICHIGAN

The Detroit Free Press takes a look at the current redistricting process, and in an op-ed from last week encourages legislators to “show their work.”

The Battle Creek Enquirer also stands up for transparency from legislators in Michigan when lines are redrawn. They also name-drop the Michigan Redistricting Coalition.

The Oakland County Daily Tribune looks at the Asian American community of Michigan, one of the fastest growing groups in the country, and how redistricting could impact them.

An editorial in the Morning Sun looks at some of the historical gerrymandering in Michigan, and what can be done in this go-around to prevent it from happening this time.

The Michigan Citizens’ Redistricting Competition, held by the Michigan Redistricting Coalition, gets highlighted by the Livingston County Daily News.

ILLINOIS

Draw the Line Illinois will be hosting a community forum in Cicero on April 14. More information can be found on the Draw the Line website.

The Illinois Senate Redistricting Committee held their first public hearing this week, and several Draw the Line members participated. A wrap up of news articles from this week can be found at the Draw the Line Illinois site.

The State Journal-Register looks ahead to the next redistricting forum in Springfield, but anticipates few in attendance.

The Illinois House Redistricting Committee has announced its committee website and hearing schedule. The Chicago Tribune also gives a rundown of the House’s actions so far.

INDIANA

Three Indiana University campuses are housing redistricting software for public use through an initiative set up by the state Senate and House Elections Committee chairs. More information on those locations can be found on the iu.org website.

MerrilvilleCommunity.com looks at the urgency behind the Indiana redistricting process, as the state’s Congressional districts must be drawn before this year’s session ends in late April.

The Evansville Courier-Press highlights redistricting as one of the major issues the state legislature must cover before the end of this session.

The Baumont Enterprise looks at the redistricting process in Indiana, and what residents can expect in the upcoming weeks. The article also highlights the Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission.

WTHI in Terre Haute covered one of the Indiana legislature’s redistricting hearings.

MINNESOTA

A letter to the editor in the Bemidji Pioneer asks officials to consider the voices of Native Americans in the redistricting process.

OHIO

The Record Harold talks about how the Ohio 7th Congressional District could look different after upcoming redistricting.