With unprecedented advances in technology, citizens now have the capability to participate in the process - but only if lawmakers cooperate. Also, lawmakers should issue draft district lines well in advance of the June 2002 deadline, so that citizens may have time to consider and comment on them. New York State's redistricting process is incredibly partisan. Both houses agree to the other's plan, and the legislation is sent to the governor for his approval. There are alternatives.
Some states have a nonpartisan redistricting system.
The state of Iowa, for example, has a nonpartisan system of redistricting that could be followed in New York in time for the 2002 changes. Civil service-like technicians make the first draft of the district lines, based on population distribution. They are not allowed to consider incumbents' home addresses or to use the party affiliation of voters in considering district lines. The proposed district lines are sent to state lawmakers for approval or disapproval. The legislature is not permitted to amend the proposal - it's either thumbs up or thumbs down on the plan, no tinkering.