Gerrymandering: An Age-Old Problem Finally Met With A Solution

[RandySF]

In response to growing concerns about gerrymandering, there has been a push for independent redistricting commissions. These commissions, composed of nonpartisan or bipartisan members, aim to draw district lines free from political bias. Several states, including California and Michigan, have adopted such commissions with promising results, including increased competition and fairness in electoral outcomes.

However, the effectiveness of independent commissions depends on their authority and autonomy. In states where commissions lack final say over redistricting, politicians may still manipulate district boundaries for their benefit, undermining the commission’s efforts.

Despite these challenges, grassroots movements and advocacy efforts have shown that reform is possible. In Michigan, for example, voters successfully passed Proposal 2 in 2018, establishing an independent redistricting commission. Similar initiatives in other states demonstrate a growing recognition of the need to address gerrymandering and restore fairness to the electoral process.

The fight against gerrymandering underscores the importance of safeguarding democracy and ensuring that every vote counts. By entrusting redistricting to independent commissions, we can work towards a more equitable and representative political system where elected officials truly reflect the will of the people.



https://www.theartistree.fm/journal/361662/gerrymandering-an-age-old-problem-finally-met-with-a-solution/

[keopeli]

1. I will not favor independent commissions unless and until every GQP dominated state adopts the policy themselves.

I know that this solution works and is far more equitable and fair. But, at the moment, in order to retain a modicum of fairness in Congressional elections for Representatives, it is imperative that Democrats retain their ability to employ Gerrymandering in order to correct the artificial skew of the "People's House" toward the minority party.

[erronis]

2. Next up - get rid of unequal representation via state boundaries

In a way states are another example of unfair gerrymandering. Each state gets two senators, no matter the size of the population.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

3. It's likely that expanding the House would come before fixing the Senate

I'm guessing there would be a lot of resistance to altering the Senate. There's a lot of resistance to just changing the rules of the Senate.

[erronis]

4. Right. I looked for the tongue-in-cheek emoji but couldn't find it....