Highlight on Gerrymandering and the Right of the People to Vote Fairly and Equally | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Re-districting always involves some partisan benefit. It can't be helped. It's the nature of politics. But what about "extreme gerrymandering"?

    The solution I believe is for the state legislature to draft amendments to our NC State Constitution, to be adopted by voters in a ballot initiative. There MUST be an amendment or amendments outlining a precise formula (such as the Polsby-Popper measurement) or procedure that protects and preserves the PEOPLE'S right to vote fairly and with transparency and forever prevents and forbids the ability for intentional partisan re-districting (intention to be inferred from the re-districting plans). There must never be extreme gerrymandering in redistricting maps.


    State leaders have to stop playing politics with the people and do what is right. We must always remember that the first priority of government is always to protect, respect, and secure the rights of the people, including the right to vote.

    Resources:

    Miller v. Johnson 515 U.S. 900 (1995) [Supreme Court prohibits gerrymandering]

    "Judicial Watch Files Voter Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of Maryland Gerrymandering Plan," Judicial Watch, March 24, 2022

    "Judicial Watch Victory: Court Rules against Democratic Partisan Gerrymander in Maryland." Judicial Watch. March 25, 2022

    Judicial Watch Continues Fight against Maryland Gerrymandering in US Supreme Court, Judicial Watch, January 5, 2017. https://www.judicialwatch.org/judicial-watch-continues-fight-maryland-gerrymandering-us-supreme-court/

    Pete Williams, "Supreme Court Upholds Gerrymandering in North Carolina, Maryland, NBC News, June 27, 2019. Referenced at: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/supre me-court/supreme-court-allows-gerrymandering-north-carolina-maryland-n1014656 [The case - Rucho v. Common Cause]

    Polsby Popper scale - https://fisherzachary.github.io/public/r-output.html

    Polsbey Popper Scale, analysis for district mapping (presentation) - https://uirc.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/Map-Grading-Presentation.pdf Ruling, Rucho v. Common Cause - https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/18pdf/18-422_9ol1.pdf