Now that the 2008 presidential elections are behind us, and the 2009 referendum to move Christiansburg's elections is anticipated, stop a moment and give some consideration to building dialog on future redistricting which should be an expected result of the 2010 U.S. Census.
Fairvote.org reports Virginia had the following bills brought forward in 2008 relative to redistricting rules for the Commonwealth: HB 836; HB 1070; SB 38; SB 105; SB 243; HJR 28; HJR 70; HJR 120; HJR 181; HJR 620; SJR 59; HR 698.
Along with a lot of other state business, nothing much happened with any of these 12 bills, some of which can be expected to be resurrected during the 2009 General Assembly session.
Watch the following clip for an overview of redistricting, and how a game has been made of it (literally and figuratively):
Better yet, play the real game here!! It's one thing to hear about redistricting, another to understand how the U.S. Census drives it, and another to actually be able to manipulate voter districts. Even for nongamers or nonpoliticos, this game provides a simple and fascinating explanation of what can happen during redistricting. Playing the game should become a required civics lesson for all middle through high school students in the State of Virginia. Bet Madison Marye could have some fun with it, too.