More transparency necessary in Marion County, IN redistricting

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Network partners in Indiana have come out asking for more transparency in the Marion County redistricting process in an IndyStar op-ed.

Julia Vaughn of Common Cause/Indiana, and Erin Kelley of League of Women Voters Indiana question why the Council President entered into a contract with a local attorney to draw precinct and district lines in Marion County (which includes Indianapolis), which requires no public meetings on maps, and no citizen input. Vaughn and Kelley also cite other problems with the contract, such as the fact that the state offered to provide county governments with a already hired staff person at no charge to do redistricting; and depending on shifts in party control of the council, these maps could become irrelevant.

The current process in Marion County marks a contrast from 2002, when mapping software was available to the public and residents were asked to submit their own maps.

Read the full op-ed at IndyStar.com.