Why Redistricting? Why Now?
It’s never too late to implement fair maps. Here’s why:
Why Redistricting Reform Matters
• When districts are lopsided from a partisan perspective, it creates polarization, with candidates appealing to the fringes instead of the middle. Compromise becomes a dirty word; there is no reward for consensus building.
• In 2012, Democratic candidates received a total of 999,219 votes (42.7%), Republicans received 1,342,237 votes (53.7%). But Republicans held a 69% majority, which has climbed to 70% currently.
• In 2021, the majority party is still overrepresented in the Indiana State House, resulting in supermajorities in both chambers.
• Despite positive, bipartisan recommendations from a legislative interim study committee in 2016 and being made a priority by both parties in both chambers in 2017, bills to reform redistricting struggled to gain traction in every session since.
Low Voter Participation and Turnout
The current redistricting process leads to uncompetitive districts and no competition leads to low voter turnout, of which Indiana had the lowest in the Country in 2014…
• More than one third (54) of Indiana General Assembly races were unopposed in the general election
• Indiana had the lowest voter turnout (28%) in America & worst turnout in 72 years
• 48% of likely U.S. Voters said American elections are not fair to voters
Indiana Communities are Divided
When legislative districts are drawn from a partisan perspective rather than based on communities of interest, like cities and counties, school districts, neighborhoods and minority groups, communities are often divided. This makes it difficult for them to make themselves heard, sometimes leading to their interests being ignored or under-served.
It’s time for citizens to act. Our coalition will create a citizens’ commission to draw our own maps with competitive districts. We hope to lead redistricting reform by providing a better example.