“Getting Ready for Redistricting” is the topic of the July Lunch with the League (held virtually because of COVID-19) with guest speaker Julia Vaughn, policy director of Common Cause, Indiana, followed by questions provided by Jennifer Lowe, Crawfordsville City Council member and David Hadley, retired Professor of Political Science at Wabash College.
Vaughn has been with Common Cause since 1970. Founded by John Gardner, Common Cause supports open, honest and accountable government and reduction of influence of money. Common Cause and the League of Women Voters created the Indiana Coalition “All In for Democracy.” This was expanded in 2014 to include 25 issue orientated organizations concerned for education, environment, women, minorities, basic gerrymandering and emphasized around redistricting reform.
Vaughn explains why redistricting is conducted every decade to reflect the census and need to support one man, one vote (1991, 2001, 2011 and will coming up 2021). However, the state legislature can change district borders allowing the party in control to influence the outcome in all decisions. Both parties have gerrymandered districts in the past creating “safe” districts and one result has been Indiana having lowest voter turnout in recent national election.
Vaughn outlines a number of reform recommendations, issues being faced in the General Assembly, the importance of fair redistricting and responds to questions by Lowe and Hadley.
The public is invited and encouraged to see and listen to this program on the LWV of Montgomery County Website: www.lwvmontcoin.org. Click on “Lunch with the League” to learn more about redistricting issues, action that can be taken and importance of communicating with State Sen. Phil Boots and State Reps. Timothy Brown and Sharon Negele.
