Demand a Fair, Transparent, and Equitable Redistricting Process

From Common Cause (http://www.commoncause.org):

We’ve officially kicked off the redistricting process in Pennsylvania — just a few days ago, legislative leaders in Pennsylvania appointed the first four members of our Legislative Reapportionment Commission, the body tasked with redrawing our state legislative districts this year. [1]

That’s a good sign: for too long, our redistricting process has been held behind closed doors and without participation from everyday Pennsylvanians — but since our mapmakers are getting started now, they have more than enough time to prioritize community involvement.

But if they don’t get this right — or choose to engage in backroom political schemes that strip Pennsylvanians of our voice in the process — communities across Pennsylvania could be silenced and shut out of fair representation for a decade.

We’re calling on the Legislative Reapportionment Commission to commit to drawing maps equitably, transparently, and with public input. If you agree that fair representation is a principle worth fighting for, will you join us at https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/pennsylvanians-demand-a-fair-transparent-and-equitable-redistricting-process?

Every ten years, our state redraws its congressional and state legislative districts — and unfortunately, politicians often abuse this power with racial and partisan gerrymanders that deny us fair representation — particularly Black and Brown voters.

But this year, our Legislative Reapportionment Commission has the opportunity to change course.

Because the Census Bureau is operating on an adjusted timeline, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and political meddling from the Trump administration — our mapmakers have more time than ever to focus on community engagement.

That’s why we’re calling on the Legislative Reapportionment Commission to hold extensive public hearings across the state — with flexible schedules and remote options so as many Pennsylvanians can participate as possible, regardless of their work schedule, worries about COVID-19, or childcare responsibilities.

With this much time to plan, there’s no excuse for a rushed, hasty redistricting process done under the cover of darkness by a few party insiders.

Will you join us in demanding that the Legislative Reapportionment Commission draw maps that protect our right to fair representation?

Fair and transparent voting maps will enable us to truly hold legislators accountable on the issues we care about most — like education, the environment, racial justice, and more. We hope we can count on you to speak out today.