By Alison McCaffree, Census & Redistricting Issue Chair, LWV of Washington 

The LWV of Washington calls for comprehensive reform of the Washington state redistricting process before 2031. The trust in our election systems starts with redistricting. Without comprehensive redistricting reform, Washington’s community needs will continue to be second to other concerns.  

On the table in these reforms is an independent citizen’s redistricting commission. What would this look like for Washington state and what will it take to get us there? Is there something unique about Washington’s political environment that prevents us from a structure that includes ordinary citizens and people who don’t identify with either major party?  

Join your League colleagues on Tuesday May 24 at 5 p.m.as we discuss the successes and challenges of commissions in California, Michigan, Colorado, Arizona, and other places. Learn what structures and rules these commissions have used and how well they worked to bring about equitable and legal maps during the 2021 process.  
 
Redistricting reform discussion meetings are held every other Tuesday, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., with the following dates and topics: 

• May 24, 2022: Independent citizens commission 

• June 7, 2022: Public input and access 

The registration link is the same for all meetings. If you have any questions, contact Alison McCaffree. 

While redistricting relies on technology and data analysis, ultimately human judgment must balance representation among various communities of interest with many needs that sometimes overlap or conflict. Washington’s redistricting commission needs a larger group of people representing communities around the state. We must create a process that inspires trust, a process that holds commissioners accountable to communities, and ultimately a process that gives voice to the people of Washington state.