I just returned from the RNC Redistricting Conference held last week in DC and there were several questions about publicly submitted redistricting plans in 2011.  With the advancement of redistricting desktop software, this is a very real possibility.  In past redistricting cycles that I have been involved with, it was very unlikely that a public entity or group of voters would take the time to submit a redistricting plan to a state legislature or redistricting commission.  For about $7,500 anyone can purchase redistricting software with census data from Caliper Corporation (Maptitiude) or Citygate GIS (Autobound). 

Both software packages are relatively easy to use, and it is possible that pressure could be put on the Democrat or Republican Party to adhere to the “public will” for a particular plan as long as it does not violate redistricting laws such as compactness, district deviation, and minority retrogression.  There will also be a high probability that web based drawing could be made available to the public.  Redistricting is not very far off, and after the 2010 election cycle it will be a very hot topic for political junkies.  Serious public participation in the redistricting process could lead to real “change”.