Redistricting Roundup March 18
Network partners announced their participation in the Draw the Line Midwest campaign earlier this week, and they have hit the ground running with organizations and collaboratives preparing for the next steps of the redistricting process. From forums in Michigan and Indiana, to op-eds in Minnesota and Illinois, and a look at the process in Ohio, this is a roundup of redistricting news for the week.
Minnesota:
Mike Dean of Common Cause/Minnesota wrote an op-ed at MinnPost.com advocating for a redistricting commission. Additionally, Minnesota received its population data from the Census, which means that the legislature can begin its process drawing the new map. Another MinnPost.com op-ed highlights the work of the Draw the Line collaboration.
MinnPost Op-Ed: Minnesota legislators — or the governor — should create an independent redistricting commission (Mike Dean op-ed)
MinnPost: Civic groups invite Minnesotans to help carve state into new political districts
KTSP TV: Census clears way for Minnesota redistricting
Minnesota Public Radio: With Census data in, lawmakers can redraw political map
Indiana:
Common Cause/Indiana executive director Julia Vaughn penned an op-ed discussing the Indiana Citizens Redistricting Coalition, and outlining the changes they want in the process. Elsewhere, members of the Indiana legislature have begun scheduling their public hearings on redistricting.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette: Accountability is crucial in redistricting (Julia Vaughn op-ed)
Louisville Courier-Journal: Indiana GOP leaders launch redistricting effort
Michigan:
Participants in the Michigan Redistricting Collaborative were highlighted in news articles after their forum earlier this week.
MLive.com: Redistricting of Michigan legislative and Congressional boundaries must be transparent, group urges
Observer & Eccentric: Public urged to participate in redistricting process
Ohio:
The Oxford Press looks at the redistricting process in Ohio, and highlights the participation of its local representative.
Oxford Press: Local politician on state panel to redraw US House districts
Illinois:
Dennis Byrne gives his input on Illinois’ new redistricting law that was signed last week.
