Redistricting Data Hub
Researching State-Level Minority Voting Protections
Help us understand what Voting Rights Act (VRA)-like language exists at the state level.
Posted April 21, 2022
Background & Context
We have done similar research into protecting minority voting rights; you can see a database that is conceptually similar to what we would like to create here: https://redistrictingdatahub.org/projects/racially-polarized-voting-case-tool/
For the database for this project, however, the rows will be the states and the columns will contain coded versions of the information you will help collect.
Immediate Problem
A lot of folks are concerned about the future of the federal Voting Rights Act and how the US Supreme Court might rule in an important case they are considering this term, Merrill v Milligan. Regardless of the outcome of this case, there may be language at the state level that protects minority voting rights. A state by state database containing information and resources can help the public understand what protections they might have in their state beyond the federal Voting Rights Act.
Work & Deliverables
Our ideal deliverable is a searchable database that contains information on language protecting minority voting rights at the state level. It will require for a specific state: (1) identifying constitutional, statutory, and/or judicial language applicable to protecting minority voting rights, (2) identifying any pending legislation or litigation with respect to the same, and (3) extracting relevant information from (1) and (2) and entering it into a database.
We are flexible with respect to the number of hours you are able to commit, and are grateful for your assistance!
Preparation Phase
- Meet with Support Lead to discuss RDH and the project
- Optionally read articles / watch videos
- Sign non-disclosure agreement
- Conduct final prep call with Support Lead
Collaboration Phase
- Enter requested information into a shared google spreadsheet
- Communicate with Support Lead with questions or concerns about the project as it unfolds
- Identify information relevant to state-level protections of minority voting rights
- Enter requested information into a shared google spreadsheet
Wrap Up
- Provide documentation outlining methodology (how cases were identified)
Redistricting Data Hub
The nonpartisan Redistricting Data Hub was founded by experts with backgrounds in pioneering redistricting legal cases, the establishment of independent redistricting commissions, and related ballot initiatives in Florida, Arizona and other states. We believe an effective democracy requires fair representation. Our goal is to provide individuals, civic organizations, and good government groups the data, tools, and knowledge to participate effectively in redistricting processes by learning how to define their communities, provide meaningful public input, recognize gerrymandering, and advocate for fair and legal maps.
Redistricting Data Hub
The nonpartisan Redistricting Data Hub was founded by experts with backgrounds in pioneering redistricting legal cases, the establishment of independent redistricting commissions, and related ballot initiatives in Florida, Arizona and other states. We believe an effective democracy requires fair representation. Our goal is to provide individuals, civic organizations, and good government groups the data, tools, and knowledge to participate effectively in redistricting processes by learning how to define their communities, provide meaningful public input, recognize gerrymandering, and advocate for fair and legal maps.