INDIANAPOLIS – Supporters of redistricting reform launched a last-ditch effort Monday to change how Indiana draws its legislative districts.
In 2021, the Indiana General Assembly will use new census data to draw Indiana's 150 Statehouse seats and nine congressional districts.
For years, a bipartisan coalition has pushed for an independent commission to draw the maps instead. But Republicans have balked. A number of bills have been filed to do so again.
Julia Vaughn, who heads the All IN For Democracy group, said she is skeptical that lawmakers will move a bill that takes control of the districts out of their hands. But she is optimistic they will support a new approach – a bill that would provide more transparency to the process.
The legislation, filed by Sen. John Ruckelshaus, R-Indianapolis, would create a public website where people can draw electoral maps, view proposed maps and submit public comments. The bill also requires public hearings before and after the maps are adopted.
Vaughn said it has been frustrating to see attempts fail in the past but "transparency and public participation should not be a tough sell."
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