Letter: Districts belong with the people, not politicians

With all the conversation (or threats) of states redistricting to favor one party over another, it is interesting that there has been little or no mention of solutions by elected officials or voter rights organizations to prevent such situations.

One solution would be non-partisan redistricting commissions.

What would this look like? One possible example would mimic a jury. After each ten-year census cycle, a random group of state residents would be selected to appear for commissioner selection. Lawyers or representatives for each major political party (in Indiana, this would include Democratic, Libertarian, and Republican) must agree any potential redistricting commissioner would be effectively neutral in the process.

Once twelve commissioners are selected, they would be tasked with redistricting the state based upon parameters such as population. A bailiff of sorts would be available solely to provide guidance of these parameters and instructions regarding map-making tools, such as software.

After maps for Statehouse, State Senate, and U.S. House are completed, their final approval would be determined by a judge of election law who must only rule based upon stated parameters.

While this system may create some interesting results, it certainly cannot be argued that it was developed by a representative (and random) cross-section of state residents.

Whether this system or something else, residents should demand fairly developed districts, not ones cut for the benefit of any political party.

John Hurley
Richland, Ind.