Supreme Court Gerrymandering Cases Press Release
Women4Change Indiana
Media contact: Alysa Villelli
Email: alysa@women4changeindiana.org
For Immediate Release
June 19, 2018
Supreme Court of the United States Spurs Advocates to Action
Indianapolis—On June 18, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to rule on the merits of the Gill v. Whitford and Benisek v. Lamone cases that challenged the constitutionality of Wisconsin’s and Maryland’s redistricting plans. This decision allows both states’ current maps to stand for the time being.
Women4Change Indiana (W4CI) continues to support the creation of an independent redistricting commission in Indiana to end the practice of partisan gerrymandering which prevents fair representation of voters’ interests.
“The Supreme Court’s decision reinforces the need for Indiana to join other states in setting a national example for fair redistricting reform,” said Martha Lamkin, Board Co-Chair of W4CI. “Partisan gerrymandering has the ability to threaten the fabric of our democracy and must be addressed.”
W4CI Co-Chair Patricia Castañeda continued, “With its partners in All IN for Democracy, W4CI works to encourage members of the Indiana General Assembly to create meaningful legislation to end gerrymandering by creating an independent redistricting commission.”
All Hoosiers should care about redistricting. Districts that fairly represent voters’ interests give all Hoosiers equal opportunity to express the priorities of their families and communities. An independent redistricting process will empower voter voices and reduce the impact of political party agendas. Gerrymandering creates barriers to competitive races for office, leading to the retention of incumbents and generating voter apathy. W4CI and its partners will continue their work to bring about redistricting reform because having fair voting districts is vital to democracy in Indiana and the entire United States.
About W4CI
Founded in 2017, Women4Change Indiana is a nonpartisan, grassroots, collaborative organization whose mission is to equip and mobilize women to engage effectively in political and civic affairs. Members work to strengthen democracy and to advocate for the leadership, health, safety, and dignity of all women in Indiana.