The Gerrymander Issue

[Le Taz Hot]

Through the referendum process, California was able to overcome their gerrymandering process by taking the redistricting out of the hands of the politicians and into the hands of a bi-partisan commission. The differences in Congressional Districting were astounding -- it basically gave us a Super Majority in the State Leg. Here's a breakdown of the process:

http://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/Redistricting_in_California

It looks like 23 states have some sort of ballot initiative process:

http://www.iandrinstitute.org/statewide_i%26r.htm

Why is it not possible for more states, those with an initiative process, to be able to do as California has done?

[RainDog]

1. this would be a great solution n/t

[Le Taz Hot]

3. I just can't help but think about Texas

and North Carolina and Pennsylvania and so many other states that are WAY over-represented by Republicans while the Democrats are WAY UNDER represented. This is all achieved through gerrymandering and it's a critical front that must be fought in the battle for voter rights.

[mick063]

2. with a little research

One might discover how Arizona Republicans completely circumvented a similar well intended law.

[Le Taz Hot]

4. Well, why don't you tell me.

It seems to have worked REALLY well in California. Maybe other states can learn from Arizona's mistakes.

[Gregorian]

5. This is the kind of thinking we need now.

Even if it isn't this exact idea, there will be others. I am predicting a lot of backlash and serious efforts to combat the threat to our nation that this bad court ruling had dealt.

[tabbycat31]

6. NJ has a bipartisan commission

And a 'neutral' tiebreaker is agreed on by everyone (6D, 6R, tiebreaker). Except the tiebreaker is never neutral.

Legislative-- Dem tiebreaker, hence Dem gerrymander.
Congressional--GOP tiebreaker, hence GOP gerrymander.