Letter: Ezra Nanes the Choice for Real Redistricting Reform

After every census, states must redraw legislative districts to distribute populations equally. While redistricting has often been subject to gerrymandering — drawing boundaries unfairly to advantage one party over another — new mapping technologies can engineer iron-clad majorities for a generation. In 2011, Harrisburg Republicans exploited Pennsylvania’s redistricting process, creating among the nation’s worst gerrymandered maps. These contorted districts endured for several election cycles until this February, when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled them unconstitutional. The court required new districts, but Jake Corman pushed back and led the fight to keep the gerrymandered map.

Pennsylvania legislators should clearly enact redistricting reform. Yet, as Senate Majority Leader, Corman denied that districts were gerrymandered and wouldn’t co-sponsor or help to advance a bill proposing an independent citizens’ commission, a best practice for redistricting. When he did get involved after losing the map fight, the redistricting bill became horribly compromised with “poison pill” amendments that allowed politicians to hand-pick commission members and opened the door to gerrymandered courts! Fortunately, this monstrous bill packaged as “reform” died in the House, but Jake’s cynical power grab clarified that fairness and integrity are not his priorities.

Ezra Nanes believes redistricting should be a fair and transparent process that works for all Pennsylvania voters. He knows we need to eliminate gerrymandering and create a citizen-led independent redistricting committee. Ezra will fight for fair and equal districts across our state. I’ll be voting for Ezra on November 6. I urge you to join me. 

Jessica O’Hara