Reforming the Redistricting Process: What‘s at Stake?
Every ten years, the legislature is tasked with redrawing the legislative and congressional districts based on the latest census. Recent decisions from the Supreme Court as well as various Federal District Courts have placed a spotlight on the processes that many states use in drawing their boundaries. Efforts to reform redistricting are active in various states, including Pennsylvania.
This is an issue of extreme importance. Pennsylvania is poised to lose at least one, possibly two, congressional seats in the reapportionment process following the 2020 census. Proposed reform would significantly change the process in which districts are drawn in Pennsylvania, taking it out of the hands of elected officials and establishing an independent commission.
What does it all mean for voters in the state and how will reform impact the future of elections? This forum would provide a background on the current process; review proposals to reform redistricting; and provide an opportunity for a robust policy discussion.
Professor Chris Magee (ECON) and Suzanne Almeida, Esquire Executive Director, League of Women Voters of PA will describe the history of defining congressional districts, the implications for voters, and proposals to reform the system.
Join us at 7:00pm, on Monday, April 3, 2017 in Trout Auditorium to learn more.