Redistricting

Redistricting

photo of North Carolina Fair Districts rally to end gerrymandering

fgayewilliams [at] gmail.com (Get Involved) fgayewilliams [at] gmail.com (Request a Speaker)
When politicians draw their own districts, we, the voters, lose! Naturally, they draw safe districts for themselves and their party. That’s called gerrymandering. When one party is in charge of drawing the maps, they can rig election outcomes so that the winners of most seats are predetermined and their party is all but guaranteed to keep the majority. As a result, gerrymandering undercuts accountability to the voters, the very essence of democracy.  

Your help is needed to achieve reform that puts voters, not politicians in charge of the redrawing. We know that we will have another redistricting process in 2031, after the 2030 census. 

The best solution, being adopted by states across the country, is a citizens’ commission that draws the maps in an open, participatory process, following strict criteria, and limiting the role of the legislature. Please join us as we work to:

• Get fairer maps for our state in the redistricting of congressional, legislative, and local districts.
• Establish a stronger legal basis for the next redrawing, with real citizen participation and strong criteria.
• Work toward adoption of an independent citizens’ commission so voters, not politicians, draw our districts.
• Engage and educate NC residents about redistricting, why it’s key to our state’s future, and how they can get involved.
 

6 Things You Can Do to Promote Fair Maps

1. Volunteer! 
3. Encourage organizations you’re involved with to join the coalition by endorsing the 5 Principles.
4. Support this work by making a donation to the League of Women Voters of NC. 
5. Help to organize a presentation to your group or community on how gerrymandering undermines our state. 
6. Contact your legislators and tell them to adopt a transparent, participatory, and fair process. 
 

Local League Highlights

The strength of the League is in its local Leagues, from Henderson and Asheville in the west to Lower Cape Fear, Carteret, Dare, and Northeastern (centered in Elizabeth City) on the coast. Most of the Leagues have a redistricting team, organizing public education programs and working with their elected officials. What a great group! 

Action Team Leader

Contact the Team Leader: Gaye Williams, fgayewilliams [at] gmail.com  

League to which this content belongs: 
North Carolina

All Posts Related to this Committee

Political and racial gerrymandering distorts and undermines representative democracy. It allows officials to choose their voters rather than voters choosing who represents them. Especially when done for purposes of racial discrimination and/or to ensure the dominance of one political party, gerrymandering runs counter to equal voting rights for all.

Responsibility for redistricting preferably should be vested in an independent special commission, with membership that reflects the diversity of the unit of government, including citizens at large, representatives of public interest groups, and members of minority groups.

The League’s approach to reform recognizes that both the criteria for redistricting and the process for drawing the maps are key to getting us to Fair Maps.

We, the citizens of North Carolina, can put an end to gerrymandering and strengthen our democracy. Help us draw the line on gerrymandering in our state.

Need more information on Redistricting? Read more to access additional resources!

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