Redistricting occurs every 10 years with the goal of ensuring that districts reflect changes in population. They affect who and what you see on your ballot when you vote. Ideally, the districting (or mapping) process is transparent and fair, but sometimes maps fall prey to efforts to manipulate boundaries to protect or change political power. In an article on April 5, Axios listed Kansas as one of the 27 states at "extreme risk" of gerrymandering.
LWVJoCo, LWVK and other Leagues across Kansas have organized a series of events to provide more information about redistricting and resources to take action. Events include:
- 4/24, 9:30-1:30: A kickoff of the People Powered Fair Maps/#KansansDeserveFairMaps Week of Action at the annual state convention
- 4/25, any time: Watch the recording of LWVJoCo's February program, "Gerrymandering and Fair Representation: What Kansans Need to Know"
- 4/26, 6:30 p.m.: Watch a short documentary hosted by LWV Wichita-Metro on their YouTube page
- 4/27, all day: #KansansDeserveFairMaps Advocacy Day - contact your legislators about fair maps. Resources will be provided in advance.
- 4/29, 9 a.m.: LWV Day of Action National Kickoff Pep Rally. Watch it here.
- 4/29, 6-7:30 p.m.: #KansansDeserveFairMaps panel discussion. Register here.
The MainStream Coalition is also hosting "Redrawing Democracy: Redistricting & Equitable Representation," for its members on 4/21. The discussion features LWVJoCo's redistricting lead, Connie Taylor, along with Senator David Haley (District 4), Cole Fine (Fair Maps Fund) and Professor Dagney Velazquez (KCK Community College). Learn more here. |