Why redistricting is important

Communities that define their communities of interest and draw their own maps generate a more powerful voice. A community with a powerful voice receives more resources. Communities have the power to change the narrative and elect candidates of choice. Over the past year, we have seen what happens when our communities come together. In Louisiana, specifically, we know the power of communities coming together and have seen how we take care of each other in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida and every other storm.

Certainly, most of that work, hauling trash, offering shelter, providing hot meals and so much more, should be done by the government, and as we fight to fix broken policies so more dollars flow to the community.

The State of Louisiana has announced the dates and locations for their redistricting roadshow. The first date is Oct. Your voice and participation are needed to have your comments and maps on the record as the roadshow. Power Coalition will be hosting more educational Crowd Academies to learn how to draw maps. We are also working with partners across the state to create tools and support as you develop your maps and comments.

Redistricting is where we have the single most power to ensure that our voice, our vote, has real power. We have the power to change the narrative and protect the future of our communities. We can do that by participating in community mapping exercises, calling our state legislators, and telling them we want a fair and equitable redistricting process.

About WordPress. By Ashley K. Shelton Originally published in Word in Black When any storm makes its way into the Gulf, one of my greatest fears is always that history will repeat itself. Community Resources During Coronavirus Outbreak. Our Framework. Our Work. Our Team. Our Partners. The Pathway to Justice. November Election Sample Ballots.

Power Forums. Power Rides. Know Your Rights. This is usually done to give an advantage to one political party over another. It has the effect of not giving certain communities, often communities that are already marginalized, proper elected representation, since their voting power has been illogically split between different districts.

Redistricting can have long term effects on our communities, either positive or negative. In Minnesota, our state legislature is currently responsible for redistricting Congressional districts U. Local governments are responsible for redistricting their own districts, so for example, city councils redistrict city wards and precincts, and school boards redistrict school board districts.

While redistricting is a process that traditionally kicks off near the beginning of the year, this redistricting year, the timeline has shifted to later in the year to better manage pandemic-related complications. Additionally, the Minnesota State Legislature has a history of failing to reach an agreement on redistricting, with the Minnesota courts usually stepping in to complete the process.

Even with the potential delays, you can expect to see heated discussions in state and local government bodies related to redistricting all year. Redistricting is also something we should be talking about within our communities and families.

As the redistricting process kicks off officially in Minnesota later in the year, we encourage our community to be attentive and engaged. Reach out to current elected officials to urge them to participate in the redistricting process in a principled way. There may be opportunities to provide comments and testimony during redistricting hearings, where you can speak to the priorities of your community.

Most importantly, resist any attempts by redistricting practitioners to erase or misrepresent your community. Speak up and demand the dignity and representation you deserve.

States are not expected to receive detailed figures until September, which may cause additional delays in the redistricting process. The process varies from state to state.

Some states have independent commissions that draw maps, while others have their maps drawn by elected officials. In some states, the process is heavily political, resulting in a risk of gerrymandering. This is the intentional manipulation of the redistricting process to benefit one party over another, distorting representation. A good and fair redistricting process will be open and transparent, allowing communities to ask questions and give input.

You can hold those crafting the district lines accountable by paying attention and speaking up.