Redistricting

Redistricting is the process by which we use census data to redraw Pennsylvania’s state legislative boundaries to reflect shifts in population every ten years.  Redistricting is mandated by federal law, and the method we use is taken from our state’s constitution (Article II, Section 17).

Ideally, legislative redistricting should be free of political influence, and should not give an advantage to one party over another.  However, through the process known as Gerrymandering, redistricting is used in Pennsylvania to protect incumbent legislators and create permanent party majorities.  Bottom line is this: in Pennsylvania, politicians pick their voters, rather than the other way around.

The original plan created using 2012 census data was so badly Gerrymandered that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck it down as unconstitutional , and a new plan  was created.  It also has been challenged, and the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case in September.

I have introduced legislation (http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0441) that would expand the membership of the Legislative Reapportionment Commission and require a supermajority of members to pass any plan.  This would require cooperation on the part of the Commissioners, resulting in a fair process that better reflects the best interests of all Pennsylvanians.

Learn More about Legislative Redistricting:

• PCN Coverage