Rally to End Gerrymandering, Push for Independent Redistricting Commission Legislation
Activists across the state have been on a statewide tour, talking to the public about an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) that aims to move power away from politicians and into the hands of citizen commissioners. Now, it is time to present the proposal to legislators.
MADISON – After months of touring the state seeking public feedback on a proposal for an Independent Redistricting Commission, the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition is heading to the Capitol to present the proposal to legislators.
Wisconsin has fair legislative maps now, but they’re only temporary. Without lasting legislation ahead of the 2030 Census, Wisconsinites risk going back to a system where politicians pick their voters and ignore the will of the people.
“We need legislation now, which is why the Coalition and its volunteers took matters into our own hands and created a Wisconsin-tailored proposal,” said iuscely Flores, Organizing Director for the Coalition. “We’ve built the people-power across the state, now we’re holding legislators accountable and reminding them that they work for us.”
Over 80% of American voters want redistricting done by an Independent Commission rather than politicians, according to recent polling. Time and time again, data shows that fair redistricting is an issue that resonates with voters across the country and the political spectrum.
“As we always say, gerrymandering is a bipartisan disease, so we hope to see legislators from both sides of the aisle pushing for this cure,” said Flores.
WHO: Speakers include Rep. Amaad Rivera-Wagner, Rep Deb Andraca, Sen. Jeff Smith, Fair Maps Coalition activists and organizers
WHAT: Rally to End Gerrymandering
WHEN: Thursday, October 16, from noon to 1 PM
WHERE: Wisconsin State Capitol - State St.
VISUALS: Activists chanting with signs, voters delivering the proposal to their legislators’ offices