Contact: Kate Constalie, kate.constalie@legis.wi.gov, 608-266-5490

MADISON, WI – The U.S. Supreme Court delayed a decision on the merits of Wisconsin’s gerrymandered legislative maps, dealing a temporary setback to advocates for fair elections. In response to the ruling, Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling released the following statement:

“Democrats believe every voter deserves to have their voice heard,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling (D-La Crosse). “Republican efforts to suppress voters, restrict voting rights and rig elections through gerrymandered maps have demonstrated just how desperate they’ve become to cling to power. Despite this delay, Democrats will continue to champion non-partisan redistricting reform to empower citizens and restore fairness to our election process.”

Republican lawmakers in the majority party have repeatedly blocked redistricting reform legislation (SB13/AB44) and voted against a Democratic budget motion to create a non-partisan redistricting plan. Republican politicians, many of whom are up for re-election this fall, will benefit from maps that been drawn unconstitutionally in their favor.

Wisconsin legislative districts have been described as “one of the worst partisan gerrymanders in modern American history.” Even though State Senate Democratic candidates won a majority of votes in 2016, Republicans expanded their majority due to the partisan gerrymandered district lines.

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