Gerrymandering/Redistricting

The legislation and action by the Republican majority today seeks to circumvent the majority decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

As we draw near to the end of an eventful and tumultuous 2023 in Wisconsin, it's worthwhile taking a moment to look back and review some of the significant events that occurred this year in the ongoing battle for democracy and representative state government.

After more than a dozen years of pushback and struggle, the proponents of fair voting maps and ending partisan gerrymandering of state legislative districts in Wisconsin will finally get their day in court before the newly constituted Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Opponents, including CC/WI Director Jay Heck’s lead-off testimony, cited "trust" issues and a flawed bill and process and a lack of bipartisan and citizen input. The hearing room was filled to capacity, with dozens testifying and not a single "citizen" spoke in full support of SB 488/AB 415.

On Thursday evening, September 14th, less than 48 hours after unveiling a massive, comprehensive overhaul plan for redistricting of Wisconsin’s state legislative districts, majority Assembly Republicans passed their legislation – Assembly Bill 415. The bill was drafted entirely in secret, with no consultation or input from Democrats or public interest groups who have long advocated for redistricting reform.

Vos's sudden embrace of nonpartisan redistricting reform legislation just doesn't pass the smell test.