Thousands of Voters Signed on in Support
PA Voters want an Independent Redistricting Commission
On Primary Election Day, under brilliantly sunny skies, Fair Districts PA volunteers from across the state again donned their FDPA apparel and invited voters to add their names to the petition in support of an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) to draw PA’s congressional and state legislative maps. Some volunteers put in a shift near home before or after work. Others gave an entire day to volunteer in a region where we need to grow. Some volunteers were helping with the Polling Place Outreach effort for the first time while others have been volunteering at the polls in this way since 2017. In all, over 170 volunteers and captains invested time to reach voters at 45 polling places in 26 counties.
Low Turnout Does Not = Low Interest in Reform
Some volunteers had expressed concern that low turn-out could mean low interest. In fact, they found that voters seemed more relaxed than during major statewide elections. The more relaxed atmosphere made it easier for everyone to engage. A slower flow of voters allowed our volunteers to speak to a greater percentage of voters and with more depth. At many polls, volunteers marveled as they filled page after page with supporters, while also enjoying the gorgeous weather and each other’s company. At firehouses, rec centers, churches, and township buildings, volunteers answered questions and explained why redistricting is required by law to balance populations in districts. Not all voters were familiar with the word gerrymandering, but all understood quickly that it’s a conflict of interest to allow legislative leaders to draw their own district lines.
Over 3300 voters signed petitions
For some voters, just the mention of gerrymandering was enough to gain quick support. Others wanted more explanation. Some dryly noted that if legislative leaders of both parties were opposed to the IRC, the IRC must be a good idea. Some took information with them to consider at home. Despite light in-person turnout in most locations, over 3300 voters added their names to the petition in support of an independent redistricting commission. These new supporters included a council member from Luzerne County, an election judge from Montgomery County, and numerous committee people from both parties. Volunteers from several polls mentioned that campaign workers from both the “red” tent and the “blue” tent sent their voters to add their names to the list of Pennsylvanians in support of an IRC.
In rural areas, suburban areas, cities large and small, Pennsylvanians understand that unfair districts hurt all of us.
One group was missing
Since independent and third-party voters are not allowed to vote in Pennsylvania primaries, FDPA volunteers weren’t able to talk with that important block of citizens, now over 15% of PA registered voters. The proposed IRC would give them a real seat at the table, since it would consist of 4 voters from the largest party in PA, 4 voters from the second largest party, and 3 voters who are either unaffiliated or members of third parties.
It’s not too late to participate!
There are over 7,000 polls in our state. Even if you were allowed to vote in the primary, chances are you didn’t see a Fair Districts PA volunteer. But you can still be part of the effort to end gerrymandering in Pennsylvania and make your vote count.