Associated Press: Coalition presses for transparency in state redistricting

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A coalition of civil rights and community groups is calling for a “fair and transparent” process as Rhode Island sets out to draw new voting districts.

In a letter released Wednesday, the groups asked the state’s Special Commission on Reapportionment to make sure its meetings are accessible to anyone who wants to participate. It’s urging the group to allow public participate online and to provide Spanish interpretation, among other recommendations.

“The Reapportionment Commission must take all necessary steps to make sure the new district maps are drawn in a fair and transparent process the public can easily understand,” John Marion, executive director of Common Cause Rhode Island, said in a statement.