House Republicans introduced initiatives today, attempting to make redistricting more transparent.
Congressional redistricting happens every ten years after the Census.
Standing near a sign that says "most transparent congressional redistricting process in Pennsylvania history," House Republicans announced a series of hearings and a new website to get more public feedback.
State Representative Wendi Thomas says the website, PARedistricing.com, will allow the public to submit comment and propose their own Congressional district maps.
"This new process will prevent extreme partisan gerrymandering and promote accountability by the voters," she said.
State Government Committee Chairman Set Grove explained "It is a one-stop shop for Pennsylvania residents learning to engage with congressional redistricting. Without a doubt, technology as allowed the general assembly to provide a greatest level of public participation in the congressional redistricting process," said Grove. "This new level of transparency and unprecedented public input is happening today."
The hearings will begin on July 22, with other hearings planned for August through October throughout the state.
According to the website, two hearings are scheduled in our area at the end of August:
Allegheny County
Wednesday, August 25
Southwest
Thursday, August 26