Gerrymandering: One big step forward; many more steps to go
The PA Supreme Court has declared that the US Congressional District map for Pennsylvania is unconstitutional. They have ordered the legislature to present a new map to the governor by Feb 9. The govern
Pennsylvania 7th Congressional District. One of the most gerrymandered in the USA.
or has until Feb 15 to approve it. If this does not occur, the Supreme Court will adopt its own map. In any case, there will be new boundaries in place by Feb 19.
The new map may cause some short-term challenges as everyone adjusts to the new districts for the 2018 election, but it is a big step forward. However, we have to keep in mind that it is only a partial and temporary fix. For example, it doesn’t fix the state senate or house districts which have also been gerrymandered, just the US congressional districts. And it doesn’t prevent the gerrymandering of any future set of district maps for either the US Congressional districts or the PA senate and house districts. We still need to continue to advocate for an Independent Citizen’s Redistricting Commission.
This is Congressional Districts only. It does not change Pennsylvania Senate or House Districts.
For info on gerrymandering in Pennsylvania goto:
https://www.fairdistrictspa.com/
To attend an event about gerrymandering on February 4th, click here for details.
