LETTER: Unfair districts ‘cheat people out of the power of their vote’

To Ozaukee Press:

Football players are flagged when they break the rules. We expect referees to call games fairly. Fair is fair, that’s just the way it should be, shouldn’t it?

A majority of Wisconsin citizens, by passing resolutions and referendums calling for nonpartisan redistricting, demanded that our government be defined by fair voting districts. Nearly 75% of Wisconsin voters—Republicans, Democrats and independents—said they want political bias removed from redistricting, regardless of whether it costs their party seats. This is a testament to the fair-mindedness of Wisconsin people who expect the game to be played fairly.

So why do Wisconsin Republican legislators currently holding majority status believe they can break the rules with no obligation to abide by the will of their constituents? They say there is no problem with their maps because they are legal. However, legal is not the issue here; the issue is fairness and respecting the will of the majority.   

The fact is, independent reports indicate that partisan gerrymandering is extreme in the maps proposed by legislative Republicans. Which means that the voting districts are created so that they purposely dilute the voice of voters. Throw the flag, ref!  

If we can’t trust our representatives to listen to the people’s majority on this issue, what makes us think they have any interest in any of our wishes or needs? Many of them have been elected multiple times and seem confident that there are no consequences for defying our will. It is time to throw them out of the game and replace them with representatives who will commit themselves and prove that they will serve the collective will of those who elect them.  

Fairness in voting is the greatest strength of democracy. When we vote we are adding our voice to that of our fellow citizens.  When our votes form a majority, our representatives are obligated to act in accordance with that demand. Gerrymandering cheats people out of the power of their vote.  

Wisconsinites believe in fair play, and we should demand it of our politicians and expect it from our Wisconsin Supreme Court. Fair maps are fair play.

Christy Schwan
Cedarburg
President
League of Women Voters of Ozaukee County