We know gerrymandering can sound wonky and in-the-weeds. But every single day we live with manipulated maps, we're prevented from making important progress on the issues we care about.
Just last week in Virginia, we saw another clear example of how gerrymandering stops progress. Here's what happened:
After a tragic shooting in Virginia Beach on May 31 -- one in which a dozen people were killed -- Gov. Ralph Northam called for a special legislative session devoted to gun violence prevention. Eight common-sense gun safety measures were on the docket -- policies like universal background checks and a ban on military-style weapons.
What happened next? Not a single measure was discussed. Not a single vote was cast. Thanks to a gerrymandered state legislature, Republicans control the state Senate by two votes -- and by two votes, they abruptly voted to STOP the session and adjourn.
All On The Line is fighting to end manipulated maps and make sure we have representatives who actually listen to solutions on gun violence prevention, not special interests and the extreme voices in their party. Add your name to join our fight for fair districts and common-sense gun safety measures.
The policies on the table weren't radical ideas. They were bipartisan solutions that a majority of Americans support -- ones that would save lives and make our communities, our homes, our places of worship, and our workplaces safer.
Yet, no action. These solutions won't even be able to be heard until November -- and there's no guarantee they will.
It's because these state Senators know their seats are hard to flip -- because the maps have been manipulated so they can play to the extremes of the gun lobby, and ignore what most Virginians want.
Every day we have unfair maps, we're stopped from delivering solutions that make our communities safer. Help us make meaningful change. Common-sense gun violence prevention is on the line -- join All On The Line today.
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Thank you,
Shehn
Shehn Datta
Deputy Director, All On The Line
All On The Line is the grassroots advocacy campaign supported by the National Redistricting Action Fund.