I will preface this again – I’m not a researcher and am only trying to present what I think are some of the biggest pillars progressive-minded individuals can set up a whole camp under. Like an indoor market, we can all set up stalls of issues/actions important to our personal selves, but need overarching goals to rally under that we’re all working toward. The left in this nation aren’t in as much disarray as the right in what they’re working toward, but the lack of direction and leaders dying of old age in office shows that there’s a complete lack of care and foresight in fostering progressive agendas that continue to update with the times. I do not claim to have the answers, just ideas on how to reframe what’s going on to give it a healthy look.
Anyway, what the heck is gerrymandering? Before we dive in, did you know “gerrymandering” has been a thorn in democracy’s side since way back in 1812? It got its quirky name from Elbridge Gerry, a governor of Massachusetts. His party drew a voting district resembling a salamander to tip political power in their favor. Thus, the term “Gerry-mander” was coined. Fast forward to today, and it’s when the district voting maps (usually of a state) are tweaked not to represent the true views of the voting population – see example 1. Ohio’s my home state and a prime specimen – see example 2.
There is a lot of information on the internet if you want to dive in, so I won’t bury you in the details. The point is, there are several states, like Ohio, that have been gerrymandered, reducing proper representation across the entire state. If the state was as red as they say, we wouldn’t have shut down the abortion issue or have upcoming votes to enshrine abortion rights in the constitution and legalize recreational weed. Both are likely to pass. This disconnect between the state’s representatives and its actual voters is glaring. If your state’s not impacted – awesome! Keep it that way! But for those of us that are – how can we change this?
Change can seem like a tall order, but it’s entirely possible. Look at California: they wrestled with gerrymandering until 2008 when voters pushed for a citizens’ commission to handle redistricting. Now, it’s regular folks, not politicians, who draw the boundaries, and they do it in the open, fairly. Then there’s Iowa, a shining example since the ’80s. They’ve had a non-partisan agency draw their maps without peeking at voting patterns or party data. The focus? Keeping communities whole and districts fair and square.
It’s not just about elections; it’s about real-life issues. When districts favor one party, it can split communities, sideline local needs, and mute certain voices. This imbalance can mean that representatives might not truly speak for us on big stuff like education, healthcare, and the planet we call home.
So, what’s the game plan? First off, awareness. If you’re reading this, talk about gerrymandering. Share what you know. We could use a national rulebook for drawing districts (something like the For the People Act) to keep voting fair from sea to shining sea. States can step up, too. They can form independent commissions, or people can start voter initiatives. Given some recent wins in Ohio, grassroots efforts can definitely make waves.
Don’t forget the legal front. Courts sometimes do step in and order maps redrawn. And technology? It’s a game-changer. We’ve got programs now that can map out districts based on unbiased criteria. Some places are already putting these digital tools to good use.
Here’s your takeaway: stay sharp. The more you know, the more you can spread the word. Keep an eye on the news, join groups pushing for fair maps, and don’t forget the power of your vote. Back candidates who oppose gerrymandering. And remember, it’s not just about the presidential showdowns. Local and state elections? Just as crucial.
Change starts with folks like us making noise. When we do, we help ensure our maps are drawn so that every person’s vote packs the same punch. That’s how we safeguard a democracy that truly represents us all.
