Gerrymandered Maps—Too Good to Be True

by Paige Goodhew

Splash image by printmaker Sarah Jelley.

Wisconsin is a poster child for partisan gerrymandering, the practice of drawing voting districts that benefit one group over another. The term often calls to mind race-based suppression of representation, but gerrymandering can also suppress one political party over another. Historically, the Wisconsin Legislature has actively built and supported such practices to the benefit of whichever party has been in power. Every decade it seems gerrymandered maps become more extreme—purposely designed—to subvert voters’ choices. The more extreme they get, the more power hyper-partisan politicians garner, so much so of late that many no longer need a majority of voters to support them.

It is time for a cure. Politicians that put their party over the needs of Wisconsin’s constituents are paid by, but no longer work for, the state’s residents. This week we learned that the census data needed to draw Wisconsin’s districting maps will be delivered at the end of July, tightening timelines to complete our once-a-decade redistricting. This presents an additional hurdle for those working to end gerrymandering in Wisconsin.

The biggest challenge is that current state legislators, many of whom have benefitted from Wisconsin’s heavily gerrymandered districts, will determine whether or not Wisconsin will adopt a fair and transparent redistricting process. The delay in receiving census data makes it easier for legislators to use the short turnaround time as a shield and forego a more extensive redistricting process. They could instead make the least possible changes before finalizing the maps, securing their voting districts for the next decade. 

Many Wisconsin residents want districts to be drawn based on communities, without political interference. This is critical for counties that have been disproportionately impacted by gerrymandering practices. Communicating a preference for a nonpartisan map-drawing process is the best way to ensure that fair maps are given a fair shake. 

Support the efforts of the People’s Maps Commission and the work they are doing to collect public input, to learn from redistricting experts, and to provide transparency with open meetings. It is important to make sure there is sufficient feedback from constituents (that’s us Wisconsin!) and recognize that The People’s Maps Commission work models the process our legislature should use. 

Advocates for the democratic process can share personal stories with representatives. This will bring home the impact their decisions have on their constituents’ lives. To this end, the members of the Dane County Working Group for Fair Maps will be sharing their own statements as examples of the type of narratives that can be helpful in effectively communicating with our legislators. In the meantime, fun facts. Learn what a salamander has to do with voter maps with this podcast episode and linked resources.