You might be wondering—it's the end of 2023, why are we getting new districts now? 

In August, a federal court judge declared Yakima Valley Legislative District 15 discriminatory against Latino voters under the 1965 Voting Rights Act. District lines must be redrawn before the 2024 elections. The Governor and Legislative leadership declined to call the Legislature back in session to convene a new redistricting commission. And, despite a request for more time from Republican minority leadership, Judge Lasnik of the U.S. District Court has decided to move ahead with a process to hire a special master who will assist the court in redrawing the lines. 

To comply with the court order, legislative maps must be redrawn to have a true “opportunity district” for Latino voters—a district where a candidate supported by Latino voters can prevail. A preferred map shown during the trial has Eastern Yakima and Eastern Pasco tied together with smaller cities in the Yakima Valley and includes the Yakama Nation Reservation. To implement this map, four surrounding districts must be changed, and it could change as many as nine or even twelve other districts.  

The timing will be tight. By the court’s own order, the maps must be submitted to the WA Secretary of State by March 25, 2024, so that the process can move forward for the 2024 election.  

For the next redistricting cycle in 2031, Washington State deserves a better process. The LWVWA Redistricting Reform Campaign Taskforce is working to maximize opportunities for people to engage in the redistricting process and to ensure the broadest possible representation with a process that is transparent and accountable. LWVWA positions call for a commission that “…produces maps that are apportioned substantially on population, are convenient, contiguous and specific standards for fair representation should be assured. ”The Redistricting Task Force believes a state constitutional amendment is needed to change the composition of the commission to improve to the commission processes.  

 Step Up! Join our movement to reform the way Washington State does redistricting. Attend a 2-hour training and receive critical information about how you can make a difference. Local Area Action Teams are starting in every corner of our state. Training topics will include local team development, redistricting reform talking points, community outreach strategies, the latest on the new legislative maps, and much more. 

Join us on Saturday, November 18 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM for this don’t miss training! Register here.

For questions please contact Alison McCaffree, Redistricting Issue Chair.