Shortly after the 2010 Census, states throughout the country
will redraw the lines that determine how to divide the
population of each state into electoral districts—a process
called redistricting. The composition of a district affects
election outcomes and determines representation at the federal,
state, and local levels. In most states, redistricting is
carried out by members of the legislature. But on the eve of the
quickly approaching 2010 redistricting cycle, voters and elected
officials in a number of states across the country are
considering a range of proposals that aim to alter the
redistricting process. One such proposal is to create
Independent Redistricting Commissions (IRCs). An IRC is a
committee composed of appointed officials who assume
responsibility for redistricting within a state. Our nation’s
unfortunate history of persistent and adaptive discrimination in
the electoral process—including redistricting reform efforts
that have suppressed minority voting rights, ultimately leading
to the en