Okay, John, hear me out: All these pumpkin pie spice flavors are just like redistricting. I honestly loved seeing pumpkin items on the menu before August was even over. 

For the pumpkin aficionados among us, the early arrival of these Autumnal flavors is a welcome development.

But technically, pumpkin pie spice is meant to be just a seasonal thing, served when temperatures drop and we start thinking about Halloween costumes and seasonal gourds. 

And technically, redistricting is meant to be just a once-in-a-decade thing, done after the census to update maps according to change in populations. 

But these days, we’re drinking pumpkin beverages and reshaping congressional maps basically all the time!! (The reason we’re drinking pumpkin beverages all the time is because they are delicious.) 

The reason we’re redistricting all the time now (and not just every ten years) is because opponents of fair maps are continually undermining redistricting reforms, electing Election Deniers, and threatening mid-decade map redraws. The fight to make maps fairer can take many years and requires ongoing work to deliver victories for voters.

As of last month, congressional and/or legislative maps around the country have been challenged in a total of 84 cases since the 2020 census. There are ongoing redistricting cases in ten states right now that could change the makeup of up to 27 congressional districts. 

We’re working to rebuild a democracy where voters pick their politicians — not the other way around. It’s grueling, detailed, and non-stop work because there are people on the other side willing to unfairly get and unjustly keep power.

We have to stay on the offense in the fight for fair maps all the time — even/especially when it’s not technically a “redistricting” year. Can you make your first contribution today?

We’re headed into November with some of the most fair maps in a long time. That’s a good thing for democracy — and it’s due in large part to the efforts of people like you working to elect fair map champions at the local level. 

The leaders we elect in less than two months are going to play big roles in redistricting efforts. We need to make sure they are leaders who believe in fairness and democracy. 

So it’s time to fuel up (pumpkin spice espresso, anyone?) and double down on our efforts. Can you make your first contribution today?

Thanks so much, 
Reed

Reed Dudley 
Deputy Digital Director 
NDR PAC