Population distribution
Consider population equality first. Review the legend on the Main Map.
- The population of your imaginary country is 560,000.
- Your task is to divide your country into 8 electoral districts.
- Your districts should have on average 70,000 people.
- The law requires that the population of each electoral district not vary from the average by more than 10% (±10% = 63,000–77,000 people per district).
- You may make exceptions if you can justify your decision.
Geographic factors
Consider geographic factors next:
- Examine and use the physical geographic factors when drawing electoral boundaries. These factors include mountains, roads, islands, waterways and ferries.
- Think about how the geographic factors can divide and unite communities.
Keep in mind that the interests of all the people within each electoral district will be represented by one member of Parliament.
Language communities
Next, examine the Language Communities Map.
- This map shows communities of people who share the same mother tongue, or first language.
- Think about the impact of dividing or uniting language communities.
Shared history
Then, examine the Shared History Map.
- This map shows communities of people who share historical experiences and traditions.
- Think about preserving the historical pattern, or consider whether it’s time to change the tradition.