Keep Communities of Interest Together
Preserve and Protect Communities of Interest
The term "communities of interest" means geographic communities, like cities and towns. Under Indiana's current redistricting system, there is a lack of respect for these communities. For example, the town of Frankton, with a population of less than 2,000, is split down the middle into two state senate districts. (See existing map below).
The concept of maintaining communities of interest means that all efforts should be made to keep a town like Frankton in the same district. (See concept map below).
Another example of lack of respect for communities is Rockport, Indiana (below). The house legislative district lines weave throughout the town.
The concept map keeps Rockport intact (below).
An additional example is Morristown, Indiana (below). U.S. 52 runs through Morristown. Inside the town limits, U.S. 52 becomes Main Street. However, the town is split in half down its own Main Street by the 5th and 6th Congressional districts.
The concept map unites Morristown (below).
NEXT: Compact districts