News Clips

“It is definitely exciting because I think it really does show how people are invested in civic engagement work and helping other young people vote,” she said in response to being chosen as one of YES! Weekly’s People of 2019.

For Phillips’ work in bringing about that change, as well as spending the past two decades pushing for government reforms even as both political parties have pushed back, Phillips was a finalist for The News & Observer’s 2019 Tar Heel of the Year.

The new congressional maps passed by state lawmakers last month can stand for the 2020 election, a three-judge panel ruled.

Gerrymandering has been one of the biggest political stories of the year in North Carolina as lawsuits forced the Republican-led legislature to draw new maps for the districts used to elect members of Congress and the N.C. General Assembly.

Common Cause North Carolina was among the grant recipients, which will support the group's work to pass a bill to establish an independent redistricting commission.

Residents who want to work for fair elections may resolve, in 2020, to support good-government groups like Common Cause N.C., with donations and volunteer efforts. We shouldn’t have to become activists to ensure fair elections, but with legislators who keep seeking unfair advantages, it may be the only way.