New system for drawing Indiana’s political maps taking shape

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A plan is taking shape to consider putting a citizen commission in charge of redrawing legislative district boundaries in Indiana.

Lawmakers are looking for ways to make the process less political. A plan could be taken up by the General Assembly next year.

Right now Indiana lawmakers redraw U.S. House, U.S. Senate and all legislative districts every 10 years, using updated census population data. The system allows the political party in power to draw the maps to their benefit.

Lawmakers last year created a special committee to study whether Indiana should move to an independent redistricting commission.

One proposal calls for a five-person commission made up of two Republicans, two Democrats and a fifth person selected by the other four members.