Dear Friends,
In a surprise order on Friday 12/3, the Washington Supreme Court declared that the Washington State Redistricting Commission DID substantially meets is constitutional deadline. The Court declined to redraw the maps. The commission’s final maps will stand as the district lines for the elections in 2022 through 2031. The Court did not make any decision on the constitutionality of the maps which could be challenged under the federal Voting Rights Act.
You can find the final maps on Dave’s Redistricting App here:
Legislative Maps
Congressional Maps
Together, we made a difference. More people understood, cared, and acted in the Washington’s 2021 redistricting process than ever before. Communities small and large clearly stated their preferences for their voting districts.
Here's the 1,2,3 of what’s next.
- Feedback: Many of you participated in the redistricting process over the last years. To help us plan for the next round, we need your feedback. Please fill out this quick survey.
- Short Term Reform: Using the momentum of the discord over the rocky end to the redistricting process, we need to act quickly to create reform. This session we will be lobbying for a redistricting reform bill. Our goal is to get comprehensive change that modernizes the process, ensures transparency, and gives equal access to all. Please contact me at amccaffree@lwvwa.org if you would like to be involved.
- Long Term Reform: We know the world has changed considerably since 1983. We are advocating for structural change to our commission that would include ordinary citizens and citizens who do not represent either major party. This will require a bill in the legislature and a vote of the people to pass a state constitutional amendment. Please contact me at amccaffree@lwvwa.org if you would like to be involved.
I sincerely thank you for your efforts. I’m humbled to lead this important process for the LWVWA and look forward to engaging with all of you in the days, weeks, and years to come. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Alison McCaffree
LWVWA Redistricting Issue Chair