Updating Redistricting Must Get Done in 2020

NOTE:  At first it appeared that the voice vote in Ways & Means resulted in ESHB 2575 moving on.  We have learned later that there were not enough signatues to verify the vote.  This bill is now dead. Thank you for your continuted support and action to move the bill this far.

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 aspect of our democracy. To do it right, the redistricting process needs to be as transparent, accessible, and as accountable to our communities as possible — and now is the time to act. 

This week, Senators are considering ESHB 2575 that would make Washington’s redistricting process even better. If the Senate does not pass ESHB 2575 by Friday March 6, then it will be 10 years before any changes could take effect. Although the bill has been amended it still improves the commission by:

• Creating public forums statewide to solicit feedback from community members.
• Paying commissioners full-time salaries with medical benefits so they can do their job with the focus it deserves.
• Increasing notices and translation services for non-English speaking people.
• Requiring a website and virtual participation for the public in all public forums.