One of the criteria for drawing maps is called “Communities of Interest” or “COI.”
A “community of interest” is a population that shares common social or economic interests that should be included within a single election district for practical and fair representation. Characteristics of communities of interest may include, but are not limited to, shared public policy concerns such as education, public safety, public health, environment, housing, transportation, and access to social services. Characteristics of communities of interest may also include, but are not limited to, cultural districts, shared socioeconomic characteristics, similar voter registration rates and participation rates, and shared histories. Communities of interest do not include relationships with political parties, incumbents, or candidates.
Because no census datasets are available to identify communities of interest for H.A.R.D., we need community support to identify and ensure they are maintained in new election districts.