The Freedom to Vote Act: Ending Gerrymandering and Protecting Our Elections
Ending Extreme Partisan Gerrymandering in Congressional Redistricting
A Broken System in Need of Reform
The Freedom to Vote Act (FVA) is a comprehensive piece of legislation designed to protect our democracy and ensure the integrity of our elections. One of the most critical provisions of the FVA is its strong stand against extreme partisan gerrymandering in congressional redistricting. As it stands today, federal courts are powerless to prevent states from drawing these new maps for purely partisan gain.
Key Provisions of the FVA
The FVA would fix the broken redistricting process in three key ways:
- A strong ban on partisan gerrymandering: At the core of the bill's redistricting reforms is a strict ban on drawing maps that prioritize partisan advantage over fair representation.
- New standards for judicial review: The bill would give judges clearer guidance when evaluating maps for partisan gerrymandering, empowering them to reject maps that dilute the voting power of any group.
- Independent redistricting commissions: In states that do not comply with the FVA's redistricting standards, the bill would establish independent redistricting commissions to draw fair and impartial maps.
Protecting Our Elections
The FVA is not just about ending gerrymandering; it is about protecting our elections from voter suppression, partisan sabotage, and the influence of dark money. On September 14, a group of key senators introduced the latest version of the bill, which received widespread support from voting rights advocates and elected officials. It is now up to Congress to pass the FVA and ensure that our elections are fair, accessible, and secure for all Americans.
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