Thread by @GMikeParsons

The #ForThePeopleAct uses independent redistricting commissions (IRCs) to end #gerrymandering.

One problem: this reform might not happen *even if* @TheDemocrats pass #HR1/#S1.

In this @HarvLRev #HLRBlog post (+🧵), I explain why—and how to fix it.

blog.harvardlawreview.org/the-peril-and-…

The timeline for IRCs' work is pegged to years "ending in the numeral zero," and the anti-gerrymandering criteria are tied to the IRCs' work.

In 2019, this made sense: IRCs started in 2020.

But in the 2021 version of #HR1, the effective date (§ 2435) is pushed out to *2030.*

IOW, #HR1 doesn't stop gerrymandering this decade—and the IRCs may *never* see the light of day if Ds lose power this decade.

Given how Rs performed at the state level in 2020, this is a very real possibility:

politico.com/news/2020/11/0…

How to fix #HR1? First, remove the immediate peril to IRCs!

This part is easy: convert the criteria into freestanding requirements (even if state legs are drawing) + clarify they are effective upon enactment.

Want a deeper dive on this? Read the full #HLRBlog piece above! 👆

Second, help the bill live up to its promise by (1) adding a separate, severable subtitle prohibiting state legislative gerrymandering as well, and (2) putting the House on a path towards multimember districts elected through proportional voting methods.

Congress could prohibit state gerrymandering via 14th Amend (@ProfNickStephan: electionlawblog.org/?p=103123) + via Republican Guarantee Clause (@cshaplaw: papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cf…)

This could help rein in dangerous "power plays" in the states (@MiriamSeifter: texaslawreview.org/judging-power-…)

And Congress could make the House even more representative in the long run by incorporating the #FairRepresentationAct (now or in 2030) or even just giving states the option of using multimember districts.

fairvote.org/the_fair_repre…

As @ezraklein notes, our system is "set up to create a center-left... and a far-right political coalition." The Senate/EC are 🔑 to this, but the House is too—and IRCs can only do so much with single-member districts.

vox.com/21561011/2020-…

For a deeper dive on this topic, follow @fairvote, @republicshared, @hill_charlotte, @jacksantucci, and @leedrutman! (And please tag others in reply that I might be missing!)

For now tho, the most urgent need is to fix #HR1 to ensure its redistricting reforms have an *immediate* impact. If reforms are put off until 2030, we may never see them materialize at all.

Thank you again to @HarvLRev for posting this piece on #HLRBlog—please go check it out!