This week, July 11-17, the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition (of which Common Cause WI is a member) is hosting a MAP MAKING WEEK OF ACTION and offering opportunities to use the power of the people to forward and amplify needed reforms to the Wisconsin redistricting process and to end gerrymandering.
Mapmakers need to hear loud and clear that We the People will not be excluded from the redistricting process or silenced by gerrymandering. And we need representation of our districts that reflects communities of people rather than the politicians’ desires to retain power with rigged maps.
Here are a few ways you can participate in this week’s Map Making Actions:
- Educate yourself and share resources with your friends.
Lawrence University junior, Ben Depasquale, interviewed a few experts in Wisconsin about gerrymandering and how it hurts Wisconsin. The episode linked here includes Penny Bernard Schaber, CC/WI Board of Directors member and former state legislator, talking about what citizens can do to end gerrymandering.
- Make a map.
This month marks your last chance to submit maps and written comments to the People’s Maps Commission before the portal closes. Right now, there’s no better way to have your voice heard in the redistricting process than to submit a community map of your own!
<<< Event today! >>>
In fact, attend a virtual workshop today (Monday, 7.12) at 3:00 p.m. via Zoom to learn how to make and contribute your map. Sign up here.
- Contact your state legislators.
Tell your legislators to listen to the people, do what’s right for democracy, and pass redistricting reform. Tell them about why you support fair maps and why they should support the current redistricting reform bills, SB 389 and AB 395.
- Mark your August calendars now!
On Tuesday evening, August 17th, CC/WI will conduct a statewide “Town Hall Meeting” via Zoom on redistricting reform and how to end partisan gerrymandering in Wisconsin. State Senator Jeff Smith (D-Eau Claire), the lead Senate sponsor of the “Iowa Model” redistricting reform legislation SB 389/AB 395 is confirmed to speak. We will have other guest speakers as well and would love to have you participate too! Stay tuned for more details about what we hope will be an interesting and informative evening about all things redistricting. SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday evening, August 17th for this virtual gathering. Watch for your invitation and see you there!
We can and will eliminate partisan gerrymandering and get fair voting maps for Wisconsin! Participate this week in support of Fair Maps.
Get involved and check out the Fair Maps Coalition website for more opportunities for actions you can take this week!