'Do it yourself' redistricting kit available

OLYMPIA - The Washington State Redistricting Commission website has tools allowing anyone with a computer to draw new boundaries for Washington's congressional and legislative districts.

People who don't have a computer can ask the commission to send them paper maps to explore what the new districts should look like.

"The last time we adjusted district boundaries, in 2001, easy options for people to submit their own maps just didn't exist," Executive Director Bonnie Bunning stated. "This time around, we've been emphasizing from the start our mandate to make this whole process as transparent and accessible to people as possible. And offering people a way to send us their own maps for commissioners to consider is an important part of that. Electronic maps make participation a reality."

Criteria must be followed to generate a map that stands up to the legal requirements for redistricting. The Washington State and U.S. constitutions as well as Washington State law set the rules that govern the shape and locations of new districts.

People planning to submit their own maps need to make sure their new lines comply with the law. The requirements are posted on the commission's website at www.redistricting.wa.gov.

Called the "Do-It-Yourself Redistricting Kit," the maps, in either electronic or paper form, show the boundaries of current voting precincts and the number of people living there. The information is the building blocks for mapping district boundaries.

People can submit a map at www.redistricting.wa.gov. Click on the button labeled "DIY maps" for instructions and tools.

People without computer access can call the commission office at 360-786-0770 to ask for a print out of the map kit.

All submissions must be either postmarked or emailed to the commission no later than Aug. 15, if they are to be considered by the commissioners.