Today, the Iowa Legislature approved a non-partisan redistricting plan in a strong, bipartisan vote. This is a win for all Iowans who care about our government and about our ability to come together, solve problems, and improve people’s lives.
If Republicans vote down the second map, that will be the clearest sign yet that they are rushing to gerrymander Iowa’s legislative map and rig election outcomes in their favor. They can make a definitive statement today against gerrymandering by stating they’ll vote for the fair, non-partisan maps that were just released.
Republicans are threatening Iowa’s fair, nonpartisan redistricting process. They have continually kept on the table the prospect of adopting a new, secret district map drawn by unknown lobbyists and powerbrokers. They must rule out gerrymandering and accept the second legislative map that we’ll see next week.
This is a clear signal Republicans are willing to use a partisan gerrymander to keep themselves in power, regardless of the will of we the people. Now is the time for Iowans to make their voices heard, contact their legislators, and demand that Republicans stop going down their dangerous road.
“Let me be clear: There’s no legitimate reason for Legislative Republicans to reject this first map. If Republicans vote down the first map, that is a clear signal they are planning to gerrymander Iowa legislative districts to keep themselves in power. It will be an attack on democracy, and Democrats will fight it every step of the way.”
Iowa citizens have had their say on the first redistricting map. At both the federal and state levels, the districts have nearly the same number of voters and follow local government boundaries when possible. Iowans overwhelmingly support fair, non-partisan maps, and they don’t want politicians making changes to benefit one side or the other.
Senate Democrats are reviewing Plan 1 to ensure it meets all the legal and constitutional requirements for redistricting. Iowans deserve a fair redistricting process, without partisan interference. We encourage Iowans to examine Plan 1 and to make their voices are heard at three public hearings next week.
Iowa’s 2021 Redistricting Process: Estimated timeline and what to expect
Iowans deserve a fair redistricting process, without interference from politicians, and without partisan amendments. The Legislature should approve Plan 1 during the October 5 special session if it meets all the legal and constitutional requirements.
“We are in this dangerous delta surge because of failed leadership from Iowa Republicans. They rejected $95 million to protect our students, have embraced vaccine skepticism, and continue to ignore our responsibilities to each other.” –Senate Democratic Leader Zach Wahls
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