Friends,
An epidemic of hyper-partisan gerrymandering is sweeping across the United States, and North Carolina is the latest victim.
This month, the NC General Assembly redrew congressional maps for the 2026 election to give one party an extra U.S. House seat. In a state roughly divided among Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, nearly 80% of districts are now safe for one party.
This off-cycle redistricting, done solely for partisan advantage, started in Texas, then spread to California, Missouri and North Carolina. Soon, more states may join the frenzy.
When politicians draw maps to protect their power, voters lose theirs.
Gerrymandering lets elected officials choose their voters instead of the other way around. It deepens polarization, discourages participation and silences entire communities.
Gerrymandering is wrong. Both political parties have done it, and it’s past time for both parties to stop it.
North Carolinians agree. A poll by our grant partners at Common Cause recently found that:
84% of North Carolina voters say it’s never acceptable for politicians to draw districts to help their own party win more seats, no matter the circumstances.
That’s true across party lines, including 78% of Republicans, 87% of Democrats and 85% of unaffiliated voters.
A strong majority of voters – 70% – support establishing a bipartisan citizens commission to draw fair voting maps for North Carolina.
At ZSR, we believe our democracy is strongest when every voice is heard, every vote counts and every community has an equal say in shaping North Carolina’s future.
We’ll continue to work with nonprofits and other partners on this issue — for all North Carolinians.
All For NC,
