AmandaE.com

Accountability in government hinges on one key factor that is currently missing in Pennsylvania's redistricting process. The voice of the people must be protected.

In looking at redistricting reform, there are some fundamental concerns which should not be forgotten.

Turns out the power to check gerrymandering exists in one ignored redistricting standard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CORCNqUilm0

Communities of interest might seems like a good redistricting standard, but they come with a hidden danger.

One pivotal change in Pennsylvania redistricting law made gerrymandering a lot easier. Watch and see. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aj28cdn48JQ

The success of the system of the United States government hinges on a unique balance of power between the various branches of government. It is this delicate balance which is being called into question with the court order that came down from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Is there really anything to be concerned about?

It appeared like no submitted map came close to meeting the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Order. The public was permitted to cling to this myth until Monday, February 19, 2018 when the Court released its congressional map.

With the failure of the General Assembly and Governor to approve a map by the court deadline, it now falls to Nathaniel Persily to draw Pennsylvania’s next congressional map. This court-appointed special master is known for his skills as a mapmaker in other states. No matter how skilled, no one is perfect. How will we know if he gets it right in Pennsylvania?

On February 15, 2018, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court received 8 map submissions for congressional districts. Each purported to fully comply with the court order to be compact and contiguous, generally equal in population, and split local governments only when absolutely necessary for population equality. But did any comply with the court order?

While the proposed Pennsylvania congressional map is undeniably an improvement over the 2011 version, a deeper analysis shows some shortcomings and reveals several choices with far-reaching impacts.