Daniel DiDonato, an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Alabama, turned heads. His map was used as the new state senate district lines for Alabama. The first-term Republican hand-delivered his map to the court. U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco selected it as a remedy to resolve an Alabama-based violation of the Voting Rights Act. As this decision seems to suggest, it’s a huge victory for the little plaintiff. They were raised in Russell County, Alabama, right on the state line with Georgia.
Fueled by a sudden interest in the subject, DiDonato started to tinker with redistricting software about a year ago. He created his map using a free online tool, Dave’s Redistricting App. Even though we had just this one tool to work with, the changes it produced were significant, improving the opportunity on the part of Black voters to elect their preferred candidates in just two districts.
In creating the map, DiDonato spent several nights in his dormitory, fueled by soda but no caffeine, meticulously drawing potential district lines. At first, to avoid using partisan and racial data, he opted to create districts with an equal distribution of citizens across districts. Fortunately, he didn’t stop with the data and subsequently used this data in real-time to improve Black voter representation.
DiDonato’s efforts culminated just before his 9:30 AM political science class when he learned that Judge Manasco had selected his map. Landowners, companies, even state and federal agencies objected to his proposed lines, leaving him feeling demoralized at times. The announcement was indeed a welcome surprise.
“Now, nearly 300,000 Alabamians will be voting under new district lines that I drew up at two in the morning in a cramped dorm study room.” – Daniel DiDonato
DiDonato even got invited to testify about his work at a legislative hearing on the case. It was this stakeholder process that really forced the decision to be made. Sadly, he wasn’t able to make it because he couldn’t arrange transportation. Even with this disappointment his passion for the project never waned.
In his victory announcement, he shared incredulity and pride that his map was chosen. “I just think it’s a bit funny I can say I’m better at my craft than a court-appointed special master,” DiDonato remarked, acknowledging the professional work done by others in the field while humbly asserting his own capabilities.
DiDonato underscored what he’d done. He told the story of how his success has lights out the establishment in the political class, particularly in the social media realm on Twitter. He mentioned that many younger users are now inspired by his accomplishment, viewing it as a beacon of possibility in politics.
“Election Twitter is a space dominated by teenagers who care deeply about politics but lack a way to express it on a level seen like this. I think that this is a motivation that says one of our own did this really cool thing, I think I can do a cool thing too.” – Daniel DiDonato
Chaz Nuttycombe, a political consultant, highlighted the growing presence of young individuals knowledgeable about the Voting Rights Act and its implications for electoral representation. He stressed the importance of DiDonato’s win, arguing that her victory points to a new level of youth participation in electoral politics.
DiDonato did all of this labor on his own accord without any promise of payment. He was unequivocal that he doesn’t intend to get paid for his work on their behalf.
“I don’t want payment. That would be nice, I guess.” – Daniel DiDonato
Reflecting on the historical significance of the Voting Rights Act, DiDonato shared how honored he feels to contribute to ongoing struggles for voting rights.
“The Voting Rights Act has a long and storied history that dates back here to Alabama… knowing that Black voters are continuing the struggle for voting rights… it just feels like an honor.” – Daniel DiDonato
The federal court’s limited mandate in imposing remedial legislative districts made DiDonato’s work even more crucial. His map is even the most compliant with all legal requirements. More importantly, it highlights how creative ideas from regular people can make a huge impact.