Many of DTL's citizen mappers are high-school and college students, who saw their school years and lives turned topsy-turvy by the pandemic.
In some school districts, the teachers who had assigned students a DTL map and were guiding them through the process were barred from even giving students direct instruction.
Under those circumstances, it seemed only fair to give everyone more time.
And a new goal arose: To give people another activity to do digitally while the pandemic keeps many of us at home.
"Draw the Lines is the perfect activity to do at home, as an individual or a family, while we all practice social distancing," said Justin Villere, project director.
"During the pandemic, the DTL team has been working with schools to bring our virtual resources to their classroom. Now, with so many districts shifting their academic calendars, and voids being left by the absence of summer staples like camp, it's clear that extending the deadline for the competition through August will give more and more Pennsylvanians the chance to help fix democracy. This is vital as we prepare for the real mapping process in 2021."
People who have already submitted maps can, if they like, rework and hone them, then re-enter them. Just note on the personal statement that accompanies your map that this new entry is an updated version of one that was entered early under the old deadline.
To get started on a map, visit our Draw a map page.
