Community Redistricting Report Card: Saundra Mitrovich of National Congress of American Indians
Channel: indianz
Date: 2023-10-11

New 50 State Report Finds Massive Failures in Redistricting Process

REPORT: https://www.commoncause.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CommunityRedistrictingReportCard_DIGITAL_REV1.pdf

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A coalition of national organizations advocating for a stronger democracy published a report today evaluating redistricting efforts across all 50 states, awarding just two states with an “A” grade while 20 states earned a “D” or an “F” for their failures in transparency, opportunities for public input, nonpartisanship, and empowerment of communities of color. 

The comprehensive report authored by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Common Cause, Fair Count, and State Voices, published as part of the Coalition Hub for Advancing Redistricting and Grassroots Engagement (CHARGE), evaluates public access, outreach, and education in each state based on an analysis of more than 120 detailed surveys and more than 60 interviews. Drawn after the 2020 Census, the new maps will influence political outcomes and community representation for years to come, including the 2024 elections and numerous state and local offices across the country. 

Each state’s grade reflects the state-level redistricting process. Some states received a second grade for their local redistricting process in cases where advocates provided data. Unlike partisan reports, this survey asked participants about the accessibility of the process, the role of community groups, the organizing landscape, and the use of communities of interest criteria.

“After a close look at all 50 states, this report shows more community voices produce better maps,” said Dan Vicuña, Common Cause National Redistricting Director. “When everyone can meaningfully participate and have their input reflected in the final maps, that’s how we achieve fair elections voters can trust. We found voting districts that prioritize community interests are the gateway to elections that lead to strong schools, a fair economy, and affordable healthcare.”

The CHARGE report concludes that the most powerful reform is independent, citizen-led commissions where voters—rather than elected officials—administer the process and draw maps. Independent commissioners were found to be more interested in fair representation and community input— rather than incumbent protection or party control.  

"Tribal Nations are substantially underfunded in critical infrastructure areas such as housing, roads, broadband, education, and healthcare,” said Larry Wright, Jr., Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians. “To ensure equitable distribution of resources, all American Indian and Alaska Native voices must be included throughout the entire redistricting process to allow for equitable voting power and fair representation.”

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