Ky League Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Partisan Gerrymandering

(Here's the full text of our media release sent to media outlets)

On June 27, 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a set of landmark redistricting cases with implications for the future of American democracy.  The Court chose not to draw a clear line between a fair district map and one that is too partisan.

The League of Women Voters of Kentucky is disappointed by the decision but determined to carry on the fight for fair districts designed by a fair process.  Across the country, partisan gerrymandering has created districts that disproportionally favor incumbents. Both political parties have abused the process, with politicians choosing their voters rather than voters choosing their representatives. We want Kentucky to do better than that.

The LWV of Kentucky will redouble efforts to ensure that the Kentucky General Assembly uses a fair, transparent procedure for redistricting after the 2020 census.  We also recommit our efforts to the passage of the For the People Act that has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and needs a hearing in the Senate.  One of the provisions of the For the People Act is the establishment of independent commissions in each state to redraw district boundaries following the census every 10 years.

“Our democracy is a work in progress, and the League won’t back down until we have a system in place that works for everyone,” Kentucky State League President, Fran Wagner, said.

 The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization of women and men who work to educate and involve citizens in government. The League does not support or oppose candidates for office or political parties.

Read the League's report and resources on redistricting.FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:Patty Kannapel, LWVKY Communications Co-Chair502-645-6423kentuckylwv@gmail.com