Redistricting Watch: Play the Game

Researchers from the University of Southern California's Annenberg Center for Communication, Annenberg School for Communication, and School of Cinematic Arts have unveiled The ReDistricting Game, a free online tool which "exposes how redistricting works, how it is abused, and how it adversely affects our democracy. It provides hands-on understanding of the real redistricting process, including drawing district maps and interacting with party bosses, congresspeople, citizen groups and courts. Players directly experience how crafty manipulation of lines can yield skewed victories for either party - effectively allowing politicians to choose their voters instead of voters choosing their politicians."

A formal debut of the game will occur on 13 June in Washington, where developers will meet with Rep. John Tanner (lead sponsor of H.R. 543, the Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act) and other key players in the reform movement. The event will take place at 10 a.m. in Rayburn B-318.

Beyond the game (which is very well done and quite interesting), there is some really excellent information about various reform efforts, a resource guide, and some other goodies at the site.