Anti-Gerrymandering Groups Provide Analysis of Court’s Maps 

In case you missed today’s briefing, you can find the video link here. Select quotes from the briefing, in order of speakers, are below.

Regarding the need for redistricting reform:
“We are pleased to see a few elements of our community maps included in the court’s redistricting plans. While we are grateful the court heard some of our demands for fair representation of communities of color, the court-led process is limited when it comes to engaging all Minnesotans in a meaningful redistricting process that keeps communities whole. It’s far past time we move to an independent, community-led process that puts power where it belongs—in the hands of the people,” said Annastacia Belladonna-Carrera, Executive Director, Common Cause Minnesota.

Regarding the impacts of gerrymandered maps on communities of color:
“The Court Plan, following the Corrie/ALANA as Assets Plan, provides a very strong statement to candidates for elected office in the new legislature. 72 percent of the House districts have an ethnic economy of over $100 million and 76 percent of Senate districts have an ethnic economy of over $200 million. Elected officials need to properly represent these economic interests through policies and programs to grow ethnic businesses and build the ethnic workforce. The political parties who represent these economic interests well, will stand a better chance to secure electoral victories at the Governor, House, and Senate level.,” said Dr. Bruce Corrie, Professor of Economics, Concordia University.

Regarding the importance of a people-centered process:
“Every single Minnesotan deserves a chance to participate in the democratic processes that impact our families, communities, and neighborhoods. That’s why BIPOC communities from across the state engaged in a people-centered process asking for fair maps. We are very proud of the many BIPOC Minnesotans that for the first time in history were at the table where decisions on district maps were discussed. We will continue to advocate for a redistricting process that centers public participation and protects communities of color,” said Monica Hurtado, Community Health & Racial Justice Organizer, Voices for Racial Justice.