Independent commission to draw citizens maps

A push to draw more independent redistricting maps in Indianapolis is underway with a new commission working on this issue.

The Indianapolis Citizens Redistricting Commission recently formed with a goal to create a citizens map.  The group is made up of nine members, three from each party and three that do not affiliate with Republican or Democrat. 

Common Cause, a voting advocacy group, leads the effort. Common Cause Policy Director Julia Vaugn said the group will hold a public meeting this week to explain the redistricting process and ultimately offer up alternative maps to the ones currently being drawn by the City-County Council. 

“The map that we think will best represent all political perspectives,” Vaughn said, “all different types of people, across zip codes, across ethnic and racial boundaries.”

Democrats have a supermajority on the council.  Vaugn said allowing politicians to draw their own maps is a conflict of interest.

The council did hold a series of public meetings ahead of its drawing process. Maps are expected in the coming weeks.

After a series of meetings, the citizens commission will provide the council with its maps. Vaughn said she hopes the council seriously considers the work of the commission.

“Do it openly and transparently and consider the ideas of a more multi partisan group,” she said.

The work is modeled after a similar effort by Common Cause at the Statehouse last year.

The earliest council could vote on the maps would be in May.