FIRST REDISTRICTING MAPS MADE PUBLIC

posted by Michael Chihak

![Alt text][arizona-flag]

The real work begins now.

The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission has produced maps of congressional and legislative districts as starting points for the reshaping of the state into nine congressional districts, up from the current eight, and 30 legislative districts, the same as now.

The Arizona Capitol Times reported over the weekend that the commission will meet Wednesday through Friday of this week to adopt one congressional map and one legislative map to begin making alterations to them.

The Capitol Times reported that the consulting firm hired by the commission to do the mapping produced two congressional and two legislative maps, both meeting two of the six criteria for redistricting -- equal populations and contiguity.

The other criteria are compliance with the U.S. Voting Rights Act, respecting geographical and municipal boundaries, respecting communities of interest and promoting competitiveness.