On Aug 16, 12 days from now, the U.S. Census Bureau will release census data to the states and redistricting will begin.
In 37 states, elected officials redraw the congressional and state legislative districts. 20 of those states are fully controlled by Republicans; 9 are split.
In 37 states, elected officials redraw the congressional and state legislative districts. 20 of those states are fully controlled by Republicans; 9 are split.
Last time Republicans had such an advantage heading into the process (which will conclude within weeks for most of the US), the maps gave them 15-17 extra House seats.
This time will be worse. In 2019, the SCOTUS okayed gerrymandering, saying it is an issue for the legislature.
This time will be worse. In 2019, the SCOTUS okayed gerrymandering, saying it is an issue for the legislature.
Republicans are already planning on pressing their advantage.
Rep. Ronny Jackson actually said at an event with religious conservatives that redistricting alone "should get us the majority back.”
Democrats can prevent this. But they have to act quickly.
Rep. Ronny Jackson actually said at an event with religious conservatives that redistricting alone "should get us the majority back.”
Democrats can prevent this. But they have to act quickly.
Reform will never be easier to pass than it is right now. If they miss the deadline and districts get drawn, they'll need their legislation to be retroactive; they'll need to prepare for lawsuits if it passes, which isn't guaranteed because some Dems will like their new districts
Unfortunately, the House is in recess and apparently will not return. There is no leadership on this issue from the White House either. Biden recently told voting rights activists that they ought to find ways to "out-organize" voter suppression (which this very much is).
But you can't out-organize gerrymandering.
Take PA, for example. In 2011, the GOP drew congressional maps to favor GOP majorities in 13 of the 18 districts. In 2012, Dems won 51% of the statewide House vote. But that only translated to 5 House seats. washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/…
Take PA, for example. In 2011, the GOP drew congressional maps to favor GOP majorities in 13 of the 18 districts. In 2012, Dems won 51% of the statewide House vote. But that only translated to 5 House seats. washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/…
This isn't really about which party is in power.
It's about whether or not this country's liberal majority — which is already disempowered by anti-democratic institutions like the Senate and Electoral College — can elect statehouse majorities and a congressional majority.
It's about whether or not this country's liberal majority — which is already disempowered by anti-democratic institutions like the Senate and Electoral College — can elect statehouse majorities and a congressional majority.
August 16 (or very shortly thereafter) is the deadline to save what semblance of majoritarian democracy we have in this country.
Everything depends on it — climate legislation, Medicare-for-all, infrastructure, etc.
It's all on the line.
Everything depends on it — climate legislation, Medicare-for-all, infrastructure, etc.
It's all on the line.
I don't see this happening without a massive push. That means from folks like @CoriBush, @AOC, @IlhanMN, @AyannaPressley, @JamaalBowmanNY, @RashidaTlaib, @RoKhanna, @staceyabrams, @MondaireJones, @PramilaJayapal, etc.
This is a do-or-die moment for our democracy.
This is a do-or-die moment for our democracy.
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