Dear John
Speak out for fair maps!
Every ten years, states use census data to create new congressional and legislative districts. When drawn well and fairly, the new maps are an accurate representation of the population and give people a say in every decision that effects their families and communities.
And, proper maps allow us to elect leaders we choose, not who politicians choose for us.
However, when this process is conducted in secret and is designed to benefit those already in power, the new maps can disable our democracy and stop popular, proactive measures from progressing in our state.
This has been the case for the last decade in Wisconsin, and we’ve seen the implications for safe drinking water and other popular conservation issues.
Wisconsin’s current legislative maps were created in the last redistricting process in 2011 and were declared by a federal court "among the most heavily skewed to one party of any plan in the country going back more than 40 years."
To help ensure we have a people-centered process, Gov. Tony Evers announced the formation of the People’s Maps Commission. The process is designed to take feedback from you – and all people living in Wisconsin – about how to conduct this important process.
As part of that effort, the commission is holding public hearings in every congressional district over the course of the next few months. The next hearing is Oct. 29 and will focus on the 5th Congressional District, although all Wisconsin residents are encouraged to watch and participate.
Anyone wishing to testify at the hearing must register in advance by visiting the People’s Maps Commission website by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. Sign up here.
Each person will have three minutes to speak. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis with priority to residents of Wisconsin’s 5th Congressional District.
Take action now and register to speak.
Help ensure this process is fair, equitable, and successful. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to sign up as well. Would you mind forwarding this email to them after you sign up?
Together, we can reclaim our democracy and shape a brighter future for Wisconsin.
Thank you for being a conservation voter,
Jennifer Giegerich
Government Affairs Director
Wisconsin Conservation Voters
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