Recent news reports indicate the two major political parties are getting ready for a gerrymandering war that will further undermine the quality of democracy in our republic. Leaders in several “red” and “blue” states are contemplating redistricting for partisan advantage in advance of the mid-terms rather than under the usual ten-year census cycle.
The very heart of the U.S. system of government is lawmaking by representatives made accountable to the citizens by having to compete for their votes in elections. Gerrymandering takes away competition and thus accountability.
Too many states have already denied many of their citizens real competitions for power. As the Election Reformer’s Network observed, in the 1990s, only 40% of the seats in the House of Representatives were considered a sure thing for one party or the other, now that figure is 83%.
We strongly believe the best way to win power is by coming up with the best problem-solving ideas that serve the most people, and then following through to make them happen.
Gerrymandering, gridlock, polarization, insults, threats, and violence are all signs that party leaders haven’t worked hard enough to come up with enough good ideas. Citizens have a right to demand better. Citizens can demand better by contacting their state governors and state representatives.
To learn more about democracy in our republic, check out of glossary and short courses here: https://cffad.org/
