| Making Democracy Work® We call for a state constitutional amendment creating a People First Redistricting Commission before 2031. They want a process and commission structure that will produce the best maps for the people of Washington State. Issue Chair: Alison McCaffree, amccaffree@lwvwa.org, (253) 720-6813 |
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2031 Redistricting Reform Campaign LWVWA is leading a multi-year, statewide campaign to reimagine and reform the Washington State redistricting process. In keeping with League positions and the current Protect Democracy campaign, LWVWA will plan and execute a campaign to reform the structure and procedures of the Washington State Redistricting Commission through a state constitutional amendment and statutory changes before the 2031 redistricting cycle May 7, 2023, 2023 — LWVWA adopts Redistricting Reform Campaign at State Convention. Jan 28, 2023 — LWVWA has initiated a Washington State Redistricting Reform Task Force. It meets every month on the Third Wednesday at 2pm. Please register here or contact Alison McCaffree at amccaffree@lwvwa.org. Jan 14, 2023 —2011 Cycle Update: On 11/16/21, the 2021 Redistricting Commission passed the responsibility to decide the maps to the Courts but did end up producing maps they negotiated passed the deadline. On 12/3/21, the Courts decided to accept these maps. On 2/8/22 The Legislature passed technical updates suggested by county auditors and election officials. On 2/23/22 The commission agreed on a settlement on two lawsuits that attested they did not follow the Open Public Meetings Act. A lawsuit attesting that the maps passed violate the federal Voting rights Act is ongoing. A hearing is expected in March 2023. 2022 Elections were held with the maps passed through the Legislature on 2/8/22. Printed maps are now available from the Legislative Information Center. See the 2021 LWVWA Mapping Process and final maps here. See the 2021 Speak Up School: Learn to Testify process here.
There are currently no redistricting specific bills. The League priority bills are in bold below will support our efforts to pass fair redistricting. Please click to the other issue webpages to get the latest information and take action.
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| Bill # | Bill Name (Brief Title) | League Position | Take Action | In Committee | On Floor Calendar | Passed | In Committee | On Floor Calendar | Passed | Passed Legislature | On Governor's Desk | Signed |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
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The 2021 Washington State Redistricting Commission failed to create maps that represented the people. A good outreach process was muted. Partisan interests prevailed behind closed doors, resulting in Commissioners rushing to approve maps they had barely seen. Incumbent protection and partisan tradeoffs dominated district line decisions. The State Supreme court let the negotiated maps stand. Since there was little time to perfect maps, even noncontroversial modifications were not done. The people of Washington State deserve better. We deserve district lines that best represent the people of the state and give us the best chance to elect the representative of our choosing.
What Needs to Change
The People of Washington state deserve to be proud of our maps and the transparent, equitable, accessible mapping process. Full-scale redistricting reform includes:
- People-Focused Commission: The 1983 structure is out of date. We seek to broaden the Commission to add commissioners who are not political operatives and not affiliated with the two major parties. Our recommendation would include a structured process to identify and select commissioners.
- Permanent Staff: Create ongoing staff to support redistricting data collection, analysis, technology, and public communication.
- True Transparency: Create process transparency to ensure the public’s wishes are considered and followed.
- Ranked Criteria: Put into law the definitions of each redistricting mapping criteria and how they will be ranked. Assure that criteria will be followed.
- Universal Access: Insure language and physical accessibility for input and information dissemination.
- Extensive Outreach: Guarantee a comprehensive and inclusive process for public outreach and input.
How To Be Involved
Our efforts for 2021 were not enough to change the outcome of the commission. To reach our goals, LWVWA must create a long-term, organized advocacy campaign – a movement. This will take all of us promoting change. Equitable redistricting depends on local action that builds to strong support for statewide proposals.Take Action: Our focus for 2023 is to build a network of support. We can’t do this without you.
- Ask your legislators “What changes would you support to the Washington State redistricting process?”
- Get 3 friends to support redistricting reform and sign up for LWVWA’s mailing list. Ask those 3 friends to find 3 more friends.
- Ask your LWV Local League to endorse our Washington State Redistricting Campaign and send a representative to the State Redistricting Reform Task Force.
- Rally your local community organizations to support our campaign.
- Local Leagues in Washington have action chairs who coordinate action teams. Some local Leagues have democracy teams to take action locally. Contact your local League action chair to find out and join.
- You may also express your opinion on legislation with the LWVWA issue chairs. We will take your perspectives under considerations as we determine our support for legislation and prepare testimony.
- For more information please contact: Alison McCaffree, Redistricting Issue Chair, amccaffree@lwvwa.org.