Plan proposal packages should contain a data file linking individual 2020 Census blocks to proposed congressional or state legislative districts. This file is called a Census block assignment file. Additional Plan components may include maps, written boundary descriptions, population summaries, and narratives explaining the rationale for the specified proposals.
Listed below are Plan prerequisites, and preferred and acceptable formats
All Plan proposals must be based on the Adjusted 2020 Census Data, which is 2020 Census of Population (P. L. 94-171) adjusted in accordance with the “No Representation Without Population Act” of 2010.
All Plan proposals must be based on the 2020 Census of Population (P. L. 94-171) with population counts for Maryland adjusted in accordance with the Act. This adjusted data is available at the Redistricting website Data page (the “2020 Redistricting Data for in Maryland”) and should not be confused with the base Census data (P. L. 94-171) released by the U.S. Census Bureau on August 12, 2021. Any redistricting submissions based on the unadjusted data (P. L. 94-171) may not meet the parameters of an acceptable district and could potentially be rejected by the Commission.
Proposals Submitted via Other Electronic Tools
- Proposal packages and all materials must include the name of the person or organization submitting the plan and contact information including address, phone, and email address. All maps related to a specific plan proposal must be clearly labeled including the name of the person or organization submitting the plan.
- Plan proposals must include a 2020 Census block assignment file and may include a summary of the adjusted 2020 Census total population counts for each proposed district.
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Preferred formats: Excel or dBase format
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Acceptable Format: Text, comma delimited
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The use of maps displaying proposed congressional or legislative district boundaries is required.
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Preferred format: Shapefile or geodatabase
and
PDF map
- Plan proposals may include a written description of the proposed district boundaries, or a narrative explaining the rationale for boundary proposals.
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Preferred format: PDF
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Acceptable Formats: Microsoft Word or text file
Proposals Submitted via Hard Copy
- Proposal packages and all materials must include the name of the person or organization submitting the plan and contact information including address, phone, and email address.
- Plan proposals must include a map with sufficient detail for an accurate review by the Commission. Preferred maps are available from the following sources:
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Maryland Department of Planning’s County VTD (precinct) maps OR U.S. Census Bureau Voting District maps (also called TIGER/Line maps).
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Both map series are available electronically from the Maryland Department of Planning in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) file format.
- Preferred format:Paper or PDF only
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NOTE: Maps other than those recommended above may not display sufficient geographic detail.
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Plan
proposals may include a written description of the proposed district boundaries, or a narrative explaining the rationale for boundary proposals.
