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Dear Editor:
The U.S. constitution gives Americans the right to vote so we can elect our government officials. Not the other way around, elected officials selecting their voters. But Wisconsin does just that. And both political parties have done it.
Every 10 years congressional and state legislative districts are re-drawn. The majority party creates new ones and packs them with voters certain to vote for the candidate they want. Where I live has been redistricted several times. In truth, your vote doesn't matter much anymore. That feels corruptive and un-democratic to me.
A recent Marquette Law School poll showed that 72% of Wisconsinites want to replace the current method for drawing districts. That includes 63% of Republicans and 76% of Independents. A grassroots movement is asking instead for a tested, nonpartisan process called the Iowa Model. Forty-seven counties (75% of the state's population) have passed resolutions urging the legislature to implement independent redistricting. Two bills, Assembly Bill 303 and Senate Bill 288, have been introduced to accomplish this.
Wisconsin draws new districts in 2021. The time to ensure that FAIR MAPS will be drawn is NOW! Please contact your State representatives and ask them to sign on to these bills or to thank them if they already are co-sponsors. Help ensure YOUR vote counts!
Sally Mather
Arena Township