Thousands of Voters Signed On in Support

On Primary Election Day, Fair Districts PA volunteers from across the state braved searing heat and evening storms to invite voters to add their names to the petition supporting an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) to draw Pennsylvania’s congressional and state legislative maps.

Some volunteers put in a shift near home before or after work. Others dedicated an entire day to volunteering in regions where we need to grow. Some were helping with Polling Place Outreach for the first time, while others have been volunteering at the polls since 2017. In all, more than 150 volunteers and captains invested their time to reach voters at 35 polling places across 20 counties.

While Political Leaders May Fear Reform, Pennsylvania Voters Demand it

At firehouses, recreation centers, churches, schools, and township buildings, volunteers answered questions and explained why redistricting is required by law to balance populations across districts.

Our volunteers noticed that most voters were aware of — and disgusted by — the mid-cycle redistricting battles taking place across the country. They did not want Pennsylvania to become engulfed in the same fight.

While no one wanted the “other side” to draw the lines, only a small handful of voters believed their own party should control the map-drawing process. Even those voters acknowledged that protections against gerrymandering should apply equally to everyone. Many also recognized that outside money is pouring into judicial and state legislative elections in an effort to influence redistricting and control Congress. When asked, voters agreed that an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) would make Pennsylvania elections less attractive to outside political spending.

More Than 2,600 Voters Signed Petitions

Many voters practically leapt at the opportunity to add their names in support of ending gerrymandering. Others wanted more information before signing.

Many were also very concerned about recent Supreme Court rulings affecting the Voting Rights Act and were encouraged to learn that the Fair Districts PA- supported bills would help protect minority communities from gerrymandering.

Some voters have already subscribed to our email list and expressed interest in contacting their legislators to support House Bill 31 and Senate Bill 131. Others took information home to review and consider.

Uplifting for Volunteers

Several volunteers described the day as “surprisingly delightful,” despite the extreme heat. Being part of brief but meaningful conversations with voters from all backgrounds was uplifting.

While many voters expressed frustration or hopelessness about the political system, they were still showing up to vote. Many also thanked volunteers for working to improve the system.

Volunteers at several polling places noted that campaign workers from both the “red” tent and the “blue” tent directed voters to Fair Districts PA volunteers to sign the petition supporting an IRC.

In rural communities, suburban neighborhoods, and cities both large and small, Pennsylvanians understand that unfair districts hurt all of us.

It’s Not Too Late to Participate!

There are more than 7,000 polling places across Pennsylvania, so 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.

If you haven’t done so already, sign the petition.

You can also use our sign-up form to collect names from friends and neighbors who support an Independent Redistricting Commission.