New York Census and Redistricting Institute
Now that data collection for the 2020 Census has concluded, the New York Census and Redistricting Institute serves as a non-partisan redistricting resource center. It is the first institute of its kind for a New York City academic institution and provides unique and timely research opportunities for New York Law School students.
The Institute advises the public, organizations, and government officials on best practices and strategies on federal, state, and local redistricting processes. It also serves as a "New York State hub," providing information, assistance, and guidance on current activity in Albany and across the state.
The Institute partners with organizations involved with redistricting to provide them with technical guidance and assistance on the law, legislative process, and mapping. It also offers briefings, educational materials, and training to members of the U.S. Congress, State Legislature, local governments, the media, and organizations on all aspects of redistricting.
The Institute plans to offer access to cloud-based redistricting platforms, where students and the public can engage in drawing model legislative districts. It also partners with Redistricting Online and the National Conference of State Legislatures to report on national redistricting activity. In addition, the Institute engages in related public policy developments affecting voting and elections across the state, especially as ranked-choice voting and similarly impactful election reforms are considered by the state and localities.
Adjunct Professor and Senior Fellow Jeffrey M. Wice, a national census expert and preeminent authority on New York redistricting, leads the Institute’s legal and policy efforts, supported by Fellow Nicholas P. Stabile.
Redistricting Resources
- New York City Council Redistricting Primer explains how new district lines will be drawn in 2022 for the 51 New York City Council districts.
- CityLand articles, including “Mapping the New Senate, Assembly, and Congressional Districts” for in depth look at the state redistricting process and “On the Ballot for Nov. 2, 2021: the Constitutional Amendment on Redistricting,” which explains the details of pending constitutional amendment.
- National Conference of State Legislatures provides extensive information on national redistricting law, technology, and process.
- New York Election News provides coverage of New York State redistricting activity at the state and local level, including the Independent Redistricting Commission, the state legislature, local governments, and the courts.
- RedistrictingOnline.org provides coverage of national redistricting updates concerning law and legislation.
Additional resources can be found on the New York Census and Redistricting Institute section of NYLS's Digital Commons archive, including John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act materials in the Redistricting Resources section and New York Redistricting Roundtable Updates.
New York Public Mapping Project
These websites have open source mapping software that allows citizens to draw district maps, as well as analyze district maps drawn by others.
New York Census and Redistricting Institute • T 212.431.2100, ext. 4170 • E jeffrey.wice@nyls.edu