Redistricting reform is an issue that goes to the heart of our
democratic system of government. Representative democracy depends on the
voters freely choosing their elected officials. When, instead, officials
choose their voters, our system cannot work for long.
The problems with unfair and partisan gerrymandering are as old as
the Republic. But today, with the advent of modern computers and
intensifying partisanship, it is possible to create legislative
districts where the results of an election will be known before any
votes are cast or tabulated. This is just what is happening across the
nation. And it threatens our democracy.
In some states, incumbents of both parties get together to protect
themselves from real elections. In other states, one party or another
draws the districts so they will have many more seats that they would be
entitled to if fair lines were drawn. In either case, the people are
locked out. Decisions are not made by the electorate, but by politicians
manipulating the electorate.
The national office has played a leading role in recent
conferences and reports dealing with these complex issues. In addition,
many Leagues have worked vigorously to secure representative
redistricting plans in their states after each census and are seeking
reforms to assure that the redistricting process is nonpartisan,
equitable and open. The League plans to continue its focus on
this important issue
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