Why does the League of Women Voters advocate an independent Redistricting Commission?
As it stands now, Texas, like most states, places the power to shape the boundaries of political districts into the hands of politicians. That means our elected officials are picking their constituents, rather than the other way around. If the majority party draws the districts, they are most likely to draw them to protect their partys power and to reduce the power of the minority party. Consequently, redistricting has evolved into an electoral instrument that serves to protect and strengthen the incumbency advantage, therefore disempowering voters and undermining democratic accountability. Excessive zeal in redistricting to empower a party is very divisive and more than once has led to situations that make it difficult for parties to work together for the good of the state. It is easy for all concerned to look both foolish and vindictive. This is the year we need to establish an independent commission so that we will have new procedures in place before the next census.
