One of the first things the IRC does is hire a professional mapping company. Timmons Group, working with National Demographics Corporation, has been selected to draw the 2021 maps.
A lot of work goes into creating the maps. The IRC is required by law to start with a blank slate. They cannot just take the old maps and adjust them with new census data. So the first map, called the grid map, is created strictly by computer software and the only criteria it is given is to produce a map where the districts are of equal population and compact and contiguous in size. The grid map is the starting point for a series of adjustments that are needed to create a map that meets all of the six criteria listed in the Arizona Constitution:
- Comply with the US Constitution and US Voting Rights Act
- Have equal population
- Be geographically compact and contiguous
- Respect communities of interest
- Use visible geographic features, city, town and county boundaries and census tracts
- Favor competitive districts
To learn more about the six criteria see FAQ 6
Over the course of several months the Commissioners will meet frequently to work on the maps, making adjustments, assessing the results and making more adjustments until they arrive at a final draft map that the majority agrees is fair and meets the six criteria as well as possible. These meetings are open to the public and video recordings are available on the IRC website. Public comments are accepted throughout the mapping process.
To learn more about how you can view meetings see FAQ 9
Once the final draft map is published, there is a minimum 30-day comment period when the public can provide feedback.
After the comment period the maps may be adjusted based on the feedback received. Then the final maps are published. The IRC has the final word on the maps. There is no appeal process if someone doesn’t like them. However, the work of the IRC and the maps are subject to lawsuits.
The public is encouraged to participate at every stage of the mapping process. There are several ways to do so:
Review the grid maps. This is the starting point that the Commission will work from to make adjustments so your input can help shape the form that the maps eventually take. The 2021 grid maps can be found here.
Submit your own map. Mapping software is freely available for creating your own redistricting maps for consideration by the IRC. There is now a public mapping app, called The Redistricting System, where you can find the most recent maps and information about draft maps and use it to use to submit district maps to the IRC. It is part of the IRC Redistricting HUB that you can reach HERE. This program allows you to adjust boundaries, create new districts, analyze the results and submit your work to the commission. Training videos are provided. Learning to use the app might take some time, but it is the best way to submit your map ideas.
Maps can also be created using other publicly available redistricting programs. These can be uploaded to the IRC website for consideration by the Commission. Some of the popular mapping apps are:
List of Redistricting Software and related tools, updated for 2020
Review and comment on the final map. During the 30-day comment period the IRC will be holding Town Hall meetings across the state to hear citizen feedback. Details will be available on the IRC website.
