National Democratic Redistricting Committee

Ohio Capital Journal: 'Troubling' legal theory pops up in redistricting, questions power to draw maps
Pew: Contentious Fringe Legal Theory Could Reshape State Election Laws
Associated Press: GOP appeal seeks to curb state court power over US House map
Fight back!

John,

Have you heard of the “independent state legislature” theory? It’s a legal argument Republicans are promoting that says the only branch of state government that should have a say over how congressional elections are held is the legislature. In other words, state courts, the governor, and independent commissions should stay out of congressional redistricting and federal elections.

Not surprisingly, the theory is being promoted in states where 2011 GOP gerrymandering resulted in Republican-dominated state legislatures – and where courts, Democratic governors, or both have prevented Republicans from gerrymandering again in 2021-22.

See how this works? Only the branch of government that Republicans just happen to control should decide how the congressional maps are drawn – and if they’re manipulated or not. It sounds ridiculous (aren’t we supposed to have three co-equal branches of government?), but at least four Supreme Court justices have indicated they may be open to this theory!

This is just one of the reasons the NDRC needs your help to keep up the fight against Republican gerrymandering – because they’ll stop at nothing to get their rigged maps.

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Holder photo graphic with quote: 'Republicans are making it quite clear that they will do whatever it takes – even if it means eroding our federalist system as we know it – to circumvent the will of the people so they can lock in their own power.'

Don’t let them get away with it, John. Chip in >>>

– Team NDRC

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A.G. Holder: If the NDRC is successful in undoing manipulated maps, we will be able to achieve a system in which everyone's vote counts.

Since 2017, the NDRC has executed a comprehensive redistricting strategy that shifts the redistricting power, creating fair districts where Democrats can compete. Our victories have been made possible by our strong community of grassroots supporters.

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