The process is thoroughly political: in some states, independent commissions draw the maps, but in Georgia—as in most states—redistricting is controlled by the dominating political party at the time political lines are redrawn. Being able to anticipate the process means having an understanding of the state's political arena before, during and after a political campaign.
Location Information
Know Your Numbers
What Is Redistricting?
Building the foundation for a successful leadership platform starts with knowing how you are represented as a Georgia citizen.
Where you live is a set of civic boundaries that define who represents you. Politicians and elected officials who represent you draw these lines. Redistricting is the process of drawing lines/jurisdictions after the ten-year Census counts. Georgia is one of the few states that does not have a time limit on when these lines/boundaries can be redrawn.
Federal Requirements for Redistricting
The topic of state legislature redistricting is not addressed in the United States Constitution. The United States Supreme Court issued a series of rulings in the mid-1960s to clarify requirements for state legislative redistricting. The court concluded in Reynolds v. Sims that the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution requires no less than substantially equal state legislative representation for all citizens, of all places, and of all races. According to All About Redistricting, "it has become accepted that a [redistricting] plan will be constitutionally suspect if the largest and smallest districts are more than 10 percent apart."
What Comes Next?
Take a look at the first priorities you'll need to address to prepare yourself for a successful leadership role.
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