California’s Nov. 4 special election could reshape congressional power. With new district maps on the ballot, Common Cause experts explain how redistricting impacts voters and how to find nonpartisan election help.
“We were at this moment like none I have ever seen in my lifetime: a fight over who is going to have access to democracy, and who's going to get to participate.” — Sean Morales-Doyle, Brennan Center for Justice
As Texas and other Republican-led states move to redraw congressional maps in response to President Trump’s push for five new GOP seats, California threatens ‘trigger maps’ to boost Democratic representation. Experts examine the redistricting battle, its impact on voters, and concerns about minority vote dilution.
“What they’re trying to do is rewrite the rules in the middle of the game because they know they know they’re going to lose." — Texas state Representative Gene Wu.
Several California state leaders and Governor Gavin Newsom Aug. 14 announced a proposal to draw new redistricting lines, in response to a similar action by the Texas state Legislature.
Across the U.S. South, reluctant state legislatures are falling in line with rulings, by even conservative courts, that their voting systems unfairly sideline minority voters.
Voter participation by people of color remains under threat, due to gerrymandering, arbitrary voting tests, new voter ID laws, and changing polling places.
