Issues: Geopolitical Issues of Redistricting The following are considerations concerning geography and maintenance of political district lines: Compactness and Contiguity: The district should cover a condensed area (compact) and be connected (contiguous). Political Subdivision: The district lines should not cut up counties, cities or towns if at all possible. Protect original districts as much as possible: The redistricting should change the boundaries of the district rather than the main district. See good examples and irregular examples below. These examples are not real, but simply designed to illustrate the geopolitical issues. Note: For examples of existing irregular districts see: Irregular Districts for U.S. House Elections from the Center for Voting and Democracy Redistricting Topic Good Example Irregular Example Compactness Contiguity District 4 is connected by shoreline & a bridge. Protect Political Subdivisions District 5 incorporates Towns A-D. Town E is split between District 6-9. Protect Original Districts The new district keeps the old district mainly intact by only trimming boundaries. The old district is divided among Districts 10-12 < Previous Issue Next Issue > Site Map | Discussion Board | NYcitizens.org | Contact | Interactive Maps | Home | Best if viewed in Netscape 4.75 / Internet Explorer 4.01 or later browser version. ©2002 WXXI Public Broadcasting Council