Draw the Lines PA updates competition rules

Justin Villere, DTL Chief of Staff| October 4th, 2018

Draw the Lines PA has made several updates to our competition rules to provide more clarity for mapmakers. You can read the fully updated rules. Here is a summary of the important points to know.

The deadline for submissions remains 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14.

Entries can come from either individuals or teams (no team size limit). Individuals or teams can submit multiple maps with each being treated as a separate entry, but only so long as each is accompanied by a unique personal or team statement.

Your personal/team statement should explain what input you (or your team) got on your map; what values you (or your team) sought to prioritize; what challenges you (or your team) encountered in drawing your map and how you (or your team) handled them. Statements submitted should be no more than 400 words, or 3 minutes as a video or audio file.

Maps that have been shaped or improved by democratic conversation will essentially get “extra credit” in the qualitative judging.

You will enter in one of three regions (East, Central and West).  College students may enter either in the region where they attend school or their hometown, if different, but not both.

Entries will be accepted in three divisions (youth, higher ed, and adult).

Maps will be judged by regional and state panels based on both quantitative and qualitative criteria.

From all regional winners, DTL will select a statewide grand prize winner and runner-up in each division. The statewide winners will win $5,000. See the full rules for metrics and prize details.

Regional winners will be honored in Harrisburg at an event in the winter of 2019.

To receive their prizes, statewide grand-prize winners are required to attend the statewide event.   Need-based travel stipends are available.

Individuals and members of teams must be 13 years or older to enter the contest. If a winner is under 18 years old, to receive the check, they must provide written consent from a parent/guardian.  

To be eligible to win, all individuals and all members of a team entry must be either legal residents of the State of Pennsylvania, or students currently taking classes at a Pennsylvania school, college or university.

Each team entry must have one person designated as the Team Lead. For secondary schools, this must be the team’s sponsoring teacher.

Read the full competition rules for important information about taxes and release/indemnification.