Why map your community?

Map with community selected

Mapping your community and identifying its shared interests allows public officials to take your community’s concerns into account during redistricing.

What is
redistricting?

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Every ten years, the United States draws new voting districts. District lines decide who votes for which representatives in local, state, and federal elections.

What is gerrymandering?

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Politicians have been splitting up or packing together communities into voting districts that silence their voices. Mapping your community of interest helps fight gerrymandering.

What is a Community of Interest?

A Community of Interest is a geographic area that shares cultural, historical, or economic interests.

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Your neighborhood
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People you want to choose representatives with
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A local group connected by an interest
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Redistricting in your state:

See community maps drawn in Alabama

In Alabama, maps are drawn by the Legislature, by late May of 2021. If the Census Bureau delays releasing population data, an alternative timeline may be announced.

In addition to the federal requirements of one person, one vote and the Voting Rights Act, Alabama’s state constitution requires that state Senate districts: 

  • be contiguous
  • avoid county splits 

In May 2011, the Reapportionment Committee adopted additional guidelines for the cycle which further required that districts:

  • be compact 
  • preserve communities of interest

In the redistricting process, your state has previously required the consideration of communities of interest (COIs). Under state guidelines, communities of interest include populations that share cultural, regional, social, or historical interests; have common governmental boundaries; or experience a commonality of communications. In Alabama, communities may have a partisan basis and are ultimately weighed by elected representatives. Add your community to contribute your voice to the redistricting process.

See community maps drawn in Alabama