| The voters should be chosing their Representatives, not the Representatives choosing their voters through redistricting. |
It's so simple, but it captures the issue perfectly. And it would be almost impossible to oppose. What's the counter argument? The people can't be trusted? Heh.
Rep. Tanner has put forward a bill that would create a national nonpartisan redistricting process. Here's his summary:
| Under Tanner’s legislation, each state would establish an independent redistricting commission of at least five members to draw that state’s Congressional district map exactly once every 10 years. Majority and minority party leaders in the state legislature would appoint an even number of commissioners, who would then elect an additional commissioner to serve as the panel’s chair. Commissioners could not be recently active in politics and would be ineligible to run for a U.S. House seat in the state for 10 years.
The redistricting commission would be required to consider the rights established by the Constitution and Voting Rights Act, as well as population and geography of each district but would not be allowed to consider political issues such as voting history, party affiliation or the potential impact on a sitting incumbent. The commission’s report must be approved or disapproved by the Governor and the state legislature without amendment. These provisions would serve as minimum standards, but states would have the option to adopt stricter guidelines. |
Sound good? Write your rep and let them know that you'd like them to step up and add their name to the list of cosponsors. This isn't something that will come without a fight, but its a fight we desperately need to force.
Those of you out there in SF, never forget: Your Rep is the House Minority Leader. Speak up! Your voice can make a world of difference!
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