Did You Know You’re About To Be Gerrymandered?
ALERT!
Did you know you are about to be “gerrymandered,” again?
What is “gerrymandering”?
Answer: A tactic used to gain an undemocratic election advantage by manipulating the boundaries of your voting district.
Where did this term come from?
Answer: Elbridge “Gerry’ (a signer of the Declaration of Independence) first signed a bill while Governor of Mass that redrew state senate districts for political advantage.
Today, how are PA Republicans attempting to “gerrymander” my vote?
Answer: It is all about the maps. PA Republicans have, for years, maintained a majority in both Pa Houses, despite the majority will. This also gives them the power to continue to control the maps. It is a vicious cycle that keeps your voice from being heard as they refuse to hear any bills raised by Democrats. Pa has the reputation of being among the most gerrymandered states in the country. This is undemocratic, and we must continue to fight this!
But this year, Harrisburg Republicans want to use” gerrymandering” to also pick your Judges. They want to “gerrymander” your judicial vote by promoting a Constitutional Amendment on the May 18 Primary Ballot.
Today, when you vote for PA Appellate Judges, your district map is the entire state. Their proposed Amendment would give those same Harrisburg politicians the ability to create 34 new districts to ensure their party aligned Appellate Judges would decide your case with their “philosophy,” instead of the law.
Judges on the PA Commonwealth, Superior and Supreme Courts decide important cases that affect every PA citizen. No other state elects Appellate Judges this way. It would destroy judicial independence and the balance of power by three co-equal branches of government.
What is the impact of this attempted corruption?
Answer: It is a power grab. Today we vote for 31 PA Appellate Judges. Republican politicians and this Amendment would have you vote for three.
What should I do?
Answer: STAY INFORMED.
PLAN TO VOTE IN THE MAY 18 PRIMARY!
VOTE NO TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL “GERRYMANDERING” AMENDMENT!
ONLY YOU CAN STOP THIS POWER GRAB!
WORK TO END PA “GERRYMANDERING” MAP MANIPULATION
EVERY VOTER MUST HAVE AND USE THEIR VOICE
***We see now. it is dangerous to sit out any election.***
Protect your vote and our democracy by voting in every election.
*Citizenship is a serious contact sport. Contact friends and family to tell them to vote in every election. Teach your children that being a citizen means we vote. Be the example.
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UPDATES:
Current status: January 25th PA END House reconvenes and will vote on this Bill a second required time.
Then Senate Judiciary committee (contact head of ) – 9 mins last time.
Then Senate – Contact Lisa Baker, Republican Majority Senate Chair
Referendum – How can we participate?They will need to pass by deadline – 60 days before Primary.
STAY UP TO DATE:
Fair Districts: See take action and presentations
Websites for Pa Senator Comitta and Representative Melissa Shusterman