MADISON— Yesterday, more than 200 citizens from across the state met with their legislators during the Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition Legislative Lobby Day to advocate for fair maps and to urge support for AB 395/SB 389 — the nonpartisan redistricting legislation introduced by Rep. Andraca and Sen. Smith. Though many did not show up, 113 visits were scheduled with legislators or their staff — including over 40 representatives who have not yet signed onto AB 395 or SB 389. Advocates also opposed AJR 80, which calls for baking in gerrymandered districts permanently.
“Redistricting is the most important issue the legislature faces every ten years, and it’s about time Wisconsin established a transparent, fair, and nonpartisan process” said Sachin Chheda, chair of the Wisconsin FMC. “Our amazing turnout demonstrates that Wisconsinites want their politicians to end gerrymandering forever.”
“One person, one vote is fundamental to our representative government. Our elected officials must represent their constituents, not the other way around. Yesterday, 200 voters on behalf of the 80% that support fair maps let their voices be heard. This is democracy in action,” said Debra Cronmiller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin.
“The Lobby Day was a great success,” said Matt Rothschild, the executive director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. “Citizens from all across Wisconsin let their legislators know how deeply they care about independent, nonpartisan redistricting. Now it’s up to the legislators to honor the will of the people and ban gerrymandering once and for all.”
