It’s happening now!
Every 10 years, the US Census requires that states must redraw legislative and congressional electoral districts to account for population changes. Currently, these districts in Oregon are drawn by legislators and are subject to a veto by the Governor. If legislators cannot agree on maps, the job falls to the Secretary of State for legislative districts, and to a panel of five judges for congressional districts.
That’s why we need YOU! District lines determine where money will be allocated for things like schools, hospitals, and infrastructure. You have the power to testify for or against the currently proposed maps or to draw maps to submit for consideration. You can affect where the lines are drawn and what communities are combined into a district.
We need FAIR and EQUAL redistricting for fair representation for all communities of Oregon. Make your voice heard and read on to learn more. The League of Women Voters of Oregon is extremely concerned about this topic of voting rights in our state. Check their page for lots of information including maps and other links.
Of course the Oregon State Legislature is directly responsible for redistricting. On their page you can find all the relevant information about the process, key deadlines, hearings and documents.
Finally the national League also maintains a policy position on redistricting, as part of their work on voting rights.
Join the Fight
There are many ways you can get involved in ensuring equity for all communities in this year’s map-drawing process!
- Connect with your local League of Women Voters and learn how you participate.
- Follow the People Powered Fair Maps program on OutreachCircle and sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on ways to remain engaged.
- Donate and support our work to build equitable community district maps and end gerrymandering.
Learn More
Here are some more links to read up on this topic.