LWVUS has called on League members across the country to join a Day of Action for People-Powered Fair Maps, set for Thursday, April 29.
Census delay or no Census delay, North Carolina’s legislature will redraw our legislative and congressional districts in the coming months. Now is the time to press for the adoption of a fairer, more open process with clear criteria to limit gerrymandering.
It’s too late to get an independent commission in place for this year (it requires an amendment to the state constitution), but it’s not too late to let legislators know that voters must be included in the map-drawing process.
The day’s program (via Zoom) will include a call to action by current and former legislators, training on what to say when you call, ongoing support to callers, and a wrap-up conversation with some of our legislators. Phone calls are preferred, but participants also have the option of sending postcards and/or tweets.
Sign up to participate here and encourage your friends to do likewise. Both League members and non-members are welcome! In addition, some Leagues have opened up their activities to any League member who would like to participate. See the program descriptions below to find ways to get involved.
On April 28 at 5 p.m., we’re fortunate to have Rep. Pricey Harrison (D- Guilford) as our Fair Districts NC webinar guest. She is the lead sponsor of both redistricting reform bills introduced in the House so far. Rep. Harrison will get us ready to contact our legislators and urge them to hear these bills! She will discuss each of the bills as well as prospects for reform in time for this year's redrawing and give us tips for communicating effectively with legislators. You can find links to these and other redistricting bills here. Register for the April 28 webinar here.
Additionally, you can join various local Leagues across their state in their Day of Action Plans. Here’s a roundup:
Wednesday, April 21 – The MidSandhills Member at Large Unit invites non-residents of Scotia Village (in Laurinburg) to join virtually via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. as Jennifer Bremer offers a presentation on redistricting – what it is, why it is important, how it works in NC, and the impact of the delay of the census data. She will also let attendees know more about LWVNC’s April 29 Day of Action plans. Residents of Scotia Village will gather in person in the MMEC Activities Room (limit of 25 people, must wear masks, social distance). Please go to MidSandhills’ Facebook page for further details. If anyone wants to attend the April 21 program via Zoom, email mroblee [at] sc.rr.com () to receive the link.
Thursday, April 29 – Any League member in North Carolina is welcome to join the Wake League as they write postcards to legislators and use Twitter to advocate for a fair and transparent redistricting process in 2021. You don’t have to attend a virtual party to participate. Action Alerts will give you all the information you need to advocate on your own. Learn more and sign up for these opportunities here.
Thursday, April 29 & Saturday, May 1 – Rachel Poller, LWV Henderson County’s president, says the League is holding two “happenings.” On April 29, a Zoom social/advocacy program is planned. Learn more and register here. The program starts with an icebreaker that asks: “When, if ever, were you able to change somebody’s mind?” From there, ideas will be generated to inspire the participants. Then, participants will individually contact legislators, newspapers, friends, etc. to advocate for fair districts and voter-friendly voting regulations.
On May 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the League will host a table on Main Street in Hendersonville staffed with board members and other members for community-wide outreach to support democracy and fair elections/districts, help folks register to vote, and promote the League itself. Members will also stroll Main Street (masked, of course) to talk to the public.
During Garden Jubilee in late May, League members will be stationed at a variety of local garden centers/farms.
LWV of Henderson County was one of four Leagues nationwide to win the LWVUS $250 raffle for its Day of Action plans!
Let’s show them we want fair maps! We hope you will get involved in one or more of these events. View our entire calendar of events here.
