Researchers from the University of Southern California, joined by members of Congress and key political reform groups, will debut THE REDISTRICTING GAME, a free, online videogame, on Capitol Hill on June 13, 2007, at 10:00 am. Rayburn House Office Building, Room B-318, Washington, D.C.
The game reportedly exposes how redistricting works, how it is abused and how it adversely affects democracy. It provides a hands-on understanding of the real redistricting process -- including drawing district maps and interacting with party bosses, congresspeople, citizen groups and courts. Players directly experience how crafty manipulation of lines may possibly yield skewed victories for either party, which may then allow politicians to choose their voters instead of voters choosing their politicians.
In addition, the game provides details on a variety of reform measures -- including a playable version of Rep. John Tanner's (D-TN) "Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act" (H.R. 543) -- as well as features that allow players to get involved in the public discourse: dialoging with fellow citizens online; spreading the word; writing their congressperson directly from the game.
Developed at the USC in Los Angeles, THE REDISTRICTING GAME takes electronic gaming -- traditionally regarded as an amusement -- and harnesses it as a powerful communications and education medium reaching out to all voters, regardless of age, region or political affiliation.
Formal presentation of the REDISTRICTING GAME has Congressman Tanner and other members of Congress, along with reform leaders from FairVote.org, Council for Excellence in Government, Campaign Legal Center and League of Women Voters welcoming the USC design team, headed by USC School of Cinematic Arts' professor Chris Swain to Capitol Hill on June 13. The game will be demoed at that time.
The REDISTRICTING GAME is a project of the USC's Annenberg Center for Communication, Annenberg School for Communication and School of Cinematic Arts.
