LWV IN opposes mid-cycle redistricting, praises lawmakers prioritizing principle over politics and reminds voters of their power at the ballot box.
For all the desire to have the GOP keep control of the House, former governor Mitch Daniels wrote in the Washington Post on October 22, national Republican party strategy should not drag Hoosiers into the “mudhole.” Daniels makes clear that the White House is squeezing state Republicans with undue pressure. He urges them to resist, sharing a story from his time as Purdue University President when he met Garry Kasparov, the chess champion who grew up under Russia’s authoritarian government. Kasparov’s “knowledge of genuine authoritarianism, and the collapse of a democracy, was first-hand — [he] said of his fellow Russians, ‘What we didn’t understand is that democracy is a process, not a result. The minute you decide that your guy, with all the best intentions … can violate the rules, rig the results … that’s it.’”
The non-partisan LWV of Indiana joins former governor Mitch Daniels and local Rep. Spencer Deery — Deery posted a video this week addressing questions about the validity of the census, the national GOP strategy and maps in Indiana, among other claims — in opposing redrawing lines mid-cycle. Numerous other representatives are holding town halls and listening sessions, among them, Alex Burton (D-Evansville), Phil GiaQuinta and Kyle Miller (D-Fort Wayne), and Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington).
Finally, the League of Women Voters of Indiana issued the following statement on October 29 in response to Governor Mike Braun’s announcement calling a special session of the Indiana Legislature to redraw congressional districts:
“Mid-cycle redistricting is the wrong thing for Indiana and the wrong thing for Hoosier voters whose voices – not political maneuvering – should shape what happens in our state. Outside interests from Washington should not determine our future, nor do they reflect the values that Indiana citizens hold dear.
“For more than a century, the League of Women Voters has worked to safeguard voter access, uphold election integrity and defend against efforts to undermine democratic principles. We oppose partisan gerrymandering and mid-cycle redistricting because these tactics silence voters and weaken our democracy. Redistricting is meant to occur every 10 years following the Census – not mid-cycle, not to favor any political party and never to dilute the voices of voters. When politicians redraw maps outside this process, they erode the stability and fairness of our electoral system.
“The League stands with Hoosiers, including lawmakers from both parties, who have spoken out against mid-cycle redistricting. Their courage to prioritize principle over politics reminds us that integrity still has a place in our democracy, even in the face of immense pressure to vote against their conscience and the constituents they serve.
“We urge all Indiana leaders to focus their energy on ideas that make everyday life better for Hoosiers. A special session on mid-cycle redistricting will cost the state money, run counter to the will of the majority and damage our democracy. None of these actions strengthens our communities or improves the lives of Indiana families.
“No matter what happens in the Statehouse, voters remain the ultimate decision-makers when it comes to the leaders who represent them. The League will continue working across the state to empower voters, promote participation and protect fair maps – because democracy works best when it works for everyone.”
Call Governor Braun to oppose redistricting at 317-232-4567 or share an opinion: https://www.in.gov/gov/cibtact-mike/.
Also, contact President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray at 317-232-9400 or email S37@iga.in.gov, and Speaker of the House Todd Huston at 317-232-9677 or email H37@iga.in.gov.
In addition, you can contact your local representative: Beau Baird, Representative District 44 at 317-232-9627/email H44@iga.in.gov; Mark Genda, Representative District 41 at 317-232-9767/email H41@iga.in.gov; Matt Commons, Representative District 13 at 317-232-9626/email H13@iga.in.gov; Jeff Thompson, Representative District 28 at 317-232-9651/email H28@iga.in.gov; Brian Buchanan, State Senator District 7 at 317-232-9400/ email S7@iga.in.gov; Spencer Deery, State Senator District 23 at 317-232-9400/ email S23@iga.in.gov