printable versionA computer system for building districts was developed to facilitate the 2001 redistricting work. It consists of hardware, software, and database components. The system does not "generate" districts, but rather provides a dynamic environment in which a user can build districts by selecting geographic units such as counties or voter precincts. The software has a graphical map-based interface, which gives immediate statistical feedback reflecting geographic selections made. The system provides enterprise plan management as well as utilities for generating reports, graphs, and hardcopy maps. Since the system was designed to be shared by multiple people within the General Assembly, it is not simply based on a stand-alone piece of software, but rather a combination of proprietary off-the-shelf components and custom written software operating in a client/server environment.
Any member of the general public may schedule a time to use the General Assembly's "DistrictBuilder" redistricting application. The public access room provides a workstation from which to access DistrictBuilder and a color printer for printing your plans on 8 ½" x 11" or 11" x 17" paper. A technical staff member is available to provide assistance in operating hardware and software only. All plans created on the public access workstation are considered public information.
To schedule a session, please contact Rachel Suelflow in the Information Systems Division office at (919) 715-8175 or rachels(at)ncleg.net. Access hours are between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM Monday through Friday. When demand is high, sessions are limited to 3 hours each, and one session must be completed before another is scheduled. Please provide your name, desired date and time, and phone number. If this is the first time you've used the system, please put in your request at least 24 hours in advance in order for ISD to create a system account for you.