Updating Redistricting Must Get Done in 2020
In 2021, Washington will embark on a process that will alter the political destiny of our home for the next ten years: redistricting. How our 49 legislative districts and 10 congressional districts are drawn affects every single aspect of our democracy. To do it right, the redistricting process needs to be as transparent, accessible, and accountable to our communities as possible — and now is the time to act.
This week, House lawmakers are considering a bill that would make Washington’s redistricting process one of the best in the country by:
- Creating public forums statewide to solicit feedback from community members.
- Appointing redistricting commissioners earlier and pay them adequately so they can do their job with the focus it deserves.
- Increasing notices and translation services for non-English speaking voters and communities.
- Requiring more public updates from commissioners to increase transparency.
The 2020 Legislative session is the last chance we have to update our process for ten years. The League of Women Voters of Washington urges support of Substitute House Bill 2575.
Email your House Representatives today and ask them to vote in favor of HB 2575: Modernizing the Redistricting Commission by increasing transparency and accountability; and maximizing public input.