To the editor,

We aren’t all that far from 2030, and after the next Census, Wisconsin will get new voting maps to account for changes in population size and distribution. Right now, we have fair state legislative voting maps that are representative of Wisconsin as a purple, competitive state. Getting these fair maps was no easy feat, and in 2030, we’ll start right back at square one again, with the risk that the political party in power may try to gerrymander, which means they'll draw themselves into power. Think Texas. Think California.

That is unless we pass legislation to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) for drawing Wisconsin state legislative and congressional voting districts in the future. An IRC is a voter-centric reform used to ensure that voters — not politicians — decide how electoral districts are drawn. The structure of IRCs varies from state to state to fit specific needs, but the overall aim is to make the map drawing process more transparent and impartial by establishing

standards for who can serve on the commission and criteria for the maps.

Commissioners on the IRC will work with experts committed to fairness and the high standards set by the legislation. A key component of an IRC is that Commissioners won't be working on behalf of a political party but rather on behalf of Wisconsinites as committed public servants.

The Wisconsin Fair Maps Coalition (FMC) is made up of volunteers throughout the state and nonpartisan organizations. It has been working with a small, dedicated group from the League of Women Voters who consulted with experts, academics, and folks from other states with IRCs to write a draft proposal fit for Wisconsin’s needs.

The FMC wants to hear from you to answer your questions about the draft proposal for fair maps legislation and get your input on the IRC proposal at a community hearing on Sept. 11 from 6-8 p.m. at the Dunn County Judicial Center, 815 Stokke Pkwy, Menomonie.

Let's end gerrymandering in Wisconsin forever.

Don Leake

River Falls