Friend, next year, all 50 states will redraw their congressional and state legislative maps.
And, our actions between now and then will determine whether those districts are fair and representative... or whether politicians can gerrymander to pick and choose which people they represent.
The time is long past overdue to END politicians’ ability to gerrymander. The good news is, we’ve already made major progress. But frankly, we can only sustain the intense level of action required if generous supporters like you step up in a big way.
We’ve just identified our top states for redistricting reform in 2020 -- where we must go all out to fight gerrymandering and ensure fair maps. Can you chip in to help make it happen?
Here’s how gerrymandering can completely subvert our representative democracy:
In North Carolina, voters are roughly split between the two parties -- but Republicans have drawn the state’s district maps for their own advantage. And in 2018, these rigged maps let them lock in a House and Senate majority, even though Democrats got more votes! [1]
That’s a complete affront to representative democracy, and Common Cause sprung into action. Now, thanks to our Common Cause v. Lewis lawsuit, North Carolina will have new state legislative districts for the 2020 election. [2]
But gerrymandering is a widespread problem -- from Republicans in Ohio to Democrats in Maryland manipulating districts for partisan gain. And wherever it happens, gerrymandering denies voters like you and me our right to fair representation and a meaningful choice at the polls.
The Supreme Court has refused to act and left gerrymandering up to each state. So, we must take on that challenge: working from the grassroots up in states and localities across the country to pass people-powered solutions.
Friend, here’s one reason I’m optimistic about this fight. We have one key advantage: when voters have an opportunity to decide on fair redistricting -- we win.
In fact, in just the past few years, Common Cause has helped pass groundbreaking anti-gerrymandering ballot measures in Ohio, Michigan, and Colorado, and elsewhere.
And this year, we’re pushing redistricting reforms in states like Oregon, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina, and Georgia where we’re employing every tool in our toolbox.
From the ballot initiative process, to local and state referendums, lobbying legislatures, litigating and organizing… wherever and whenever maps are being drawn unfairly, we must respond.
It’s a simple idea, Friend: Voters should pick politicians, and politicians shouldn’t get to pick their voters. If you agree, and you’re ready to fight back, then please chip in today.
When we give politicians the power to draw their own electoral maps, they cheat the system and silence our voices.
That’s why the next 12 months are so critical. Between now and the next round of redistricting in 2021, we must demonstrate in the courts, in state legislatures, and at the ballot box that partisan gerrymandering has no place in a 21st-century democracy.
It’s time to secure fair voting maps once and for all. I know we can. I urge you to be as generous as you possibly can >>
With thanks for all you do,
Dan Vicuna, National Redistricting Manager
and the team at Common Cause
[1] https://www.wunc.org/post/dems-win-more-votes-reps-win-more-seats
[2] https://www.commoncause.org/north-carolina/resource/common-cause-v-lewis/
