Secretary of state launches tool to view redistricting maps

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island’s secretary of state has launched a new online tool so residents can easily see the current and proposed boundaries for General Assembly districts next to each other, including demographic data.

The state’s redistricting commission has proposed initial plans for the layout of the General Assembly districts. The state constitution mandates redistricting for the General Assembly districts and the two congressional districts after each 10-year census.

Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea said she wanted to bring new transparency to the redistricting process with the online comparison tool. She said it’s important to match demographic data to proposed districts and redistricting decisions can greatly affect voter participation.

Gorbea, who is running for governor, said she’ll always push the government to provide modern resources like this comparison tool to increase transparency and encourage community participation.

The tool will be updated as additional maps are proposed.