After the June 27, 2019 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in three partisan gerrymandering cases (including Rucho v. League of Women Voters of North Carolina), LWVUS recognized that it does not have to rely on the Supreme Court to solve partisan gerrymandering. The League is the best organization to do this.
LWV is the only national organization with active representation in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. With more than 700 communities around the country, LWV is in every Congressional district in the country.
With its rich history and expertise in the field of redistricting, LWVUS launched a 50-state strategy, People Powered Fair MapsTM (PPFM) campaign to put the power over the redistricting process back in the hands of the people and to ensure fair representation across the country.
LWVUS recognized PPFM is not a “one size fits all” campaign. Hawai'i does not face the same obstacles to voting as in the 16 states that passed bills in the wake of the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder, making it more difficult for African Americans and other communities of color to access the ballot box. But, according to LWVUS, “There is a role for all of us to play in building power for all people nationwide.”
Hawaii leagues will focus on the full and fair representation aspect of redistricting. The census (“Get Out the Count” or GOTC and #CountMeIn), ensuring everyone who has the right to vote can do so without obstacles, and supporting federal legislation such as the For the People Act (H.R. 1) and restoring the Voting Rights Act (H.R. 4) are examples.
LWVUS gave grants to every state League for their efforts and enumerated deliverables to be met. Hawai'i’s state requirements include:
• Host/participate in at least 6 events which engage the public on redistricting
• Engage 3 partners that support our leagues’ activities under this campaign
• Recruit/engage at least 25 volunteers
• Send at least 3 advocacy actions (e.g., alerts) to members at key moments
• Hold at least 3 meetings with key stakeholders (e.g., lawmakers, community leaders)
• Seek at least 5 media opportunities
• Participate in February 2020 National Day of Action
Hawai'i County and Honolulu leagues are planning events to meet these objectives. Click here to learn more about People Powered Fair Maps and how you can help. Please join Leagues across the nation in empowering voters and defending democracy.
-- By Donna Oba, Vice President, LWV Hawaii State, from Fall-Winter 2019 Newsletter