Gerrymandering is still threatening our democracy, so let's get ready for what's coming this fall.

Redistricting battles continue in North Carolina! I would not be surprised to see the new legislature take up the congressional redraw (legally required) sooner rather than later. We also should have more news soon on just when the US Supreme Court will take up Moore v Harper, the legislature's appeal of the Common Cause case. This appeal could upend democratic protections as we know them by taking state courts completely out of federal elections, based on a fringe concept called the "independent legislature theory." The Supreme Court will convene its new session Oct. 3 and should announce its schedule for major cases around that time. 

We will also discuss possible action (not yet LWV-approved) to get constitutional county commission districts here in Orange County (which we don't have at present) and explore a potential new area for redistricting advocacy: adding NC to the list of states that have citizen-initiated referenda and/or initiatives and can collect signatures to put constitutional amendments or new laws on the ballot (also not yet LWV-approved). Nationwide, citizens in about half of the states have one or both of these "awesome powers," but very few states in the South do. 

We will also explore actions we can take now to continue building support for redistricting reform.

LWVODC Redistricting Reform Monthly Team meetings are held the 2nd. Monday of the month. We will meet at the Seymour Center, covid permitting, every month through at least December.