LWV-VA Calls for Transparency in Redistricting Effort

As the General Assembly met in special session to redraw the maps for Virginia’s congressional districts beginning August 17, the League of Women Voters of Virginia called on the state legislature to ensure that the process is as transparent as possible.

The League has also called on the General Assembly to respect the Virginia Constitution’s requirements for districts that are compact, contiguous and equal in population and to respect natural geographic boundaries, the boundaries of local jurisdictions and communities of interest.

“If redistricting is done in a way that is fair and non-partisan, it will ultimately produce a result that permits democratic processes to flourish in our state and reflects the true political power of minorities and other ethnic groups within our increasingly diverse Commonwealth,” according to Lois Page, co-president of LWV-VA.

Both the state and local Leagues continue to urge the General Assembly to create a politically balanced and independent redistricting commission to prepare all future redistricting maps in the state. Last year, the bipartisan ethics commission chaired by former Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and former U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher also endorsed the creation of such a commission. The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld the constitutionality of such commissions in a case involving Arizona’s independent commission.

“Because of the time pressures inherent in responding to the court order involving the boundaries of the 3rd Congressional District, the General Assembly may be tempted to dispense with any effort to keep the public informed about its processes or to seek their input on proposed plans,” according to Page. “That is why it is particularly important for it to promote transparency during the special session.”

A number of potential starting points have been suggested. The League notes that some of these, including the plans developed by the college competition and plans suggested by then-Gov. Bob McDonnell’s bipartisan advisory commission, were developed in the 2010 cycle as independent, bipartisan approaches. Consequently, these may be a reasonable starting point for the current discussion.

“I absolutely support redistricting reform,” according to an email sent from Falls Church’s Delegate Marcus Simon to local League members who had voiced their support for non-partisan redistricting. “With the Special Session today, Virginia has an unusual opportunity to be a leader in redistricting reform, demonstrating that a non-partisan process can produce a workable map, one in which voters can have confidence. Virginia voters’ want and deserve the opportunity to choose their congressional representatives, not to have politicians choose which voters they want to represent. Please know that I will do what I can to make that happen.”

The League of Women Voters of Virginia (LWV-VA) and the local League of Women Voters of Falls Church, are nonpartisan political organizations which encourage informed and active participation in government. Leagues nationwide work to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influence public policy through education and advocacy. Leagues never support or oppose any political party or candidate.