Common Cause Minnesota is launching the “With Us, For Us” campaign for the Minnesota Legislature to pass a constitutional amendment that would allow for community-driven independent redistricting if Minnesota voters approve it.  

For the last 5 years, Common Cause Minnesota and our statewide democracy partners have been working with community groups and individuals in impacted communities to develop and launch this community driven approach to representation for all Minnesotans.  

This amendment would create an independent citizen redistricting commission that would draw state legislative and congressional district maps with a focus on community interests, rather than partisan interests. If passed, it would end the conflict of interest in which legislators draw their own districts and empower citizens to draw maps. It would also put an end to district voting maps drawn under least change limited approach the Courts are limited to.  We deserve maps that fully represent all Minnesotans. 

“For the last 60 years, political parties have put their needs above the people’s when it comes to redistricting. Punting to the courts means our districts are mostly following the same priorities from 60 years ago, regardless of what our communities look like or need right now,” said Annastacia Belladonna-Carrera, executive director of Common Cause Minnesota. “The With Us, For Us amendment will empower our current communities to draw lines that put their needs above those of political parties.”

If approved by the legislature, the amendment would go before voters this November. If voters reject the amendment, the commission will revert to an advisory council to ensure community input remains and overdue reforms putting people ahead of partisan interests, increasing transparency, accountability and public participation move forward.  

The amendment was announced today on the first day of the 2024 Minnesota Legislative Session.