Mission of the Committee
To educate residents about Redistricting at the State, County and local level – what it means, why it matters and how it works. We advocate for defined processes at all levels that promote timely, fair, and effective representation. We support equitable access and maximizing opportunities for participation.
Current Work: 2031 Redistricting Reform Campaign
The Washington State redistricting process needs to be reformed. Our League has signed on to support a League of Women Voters of Washington (LWVWA) statewide campaign to reimagine and reform the Washington State redistricting process. The campaign seeks to reform the structure and procedures of the Washington State Redistricting Commission through a state constitutional amendment and statutory changes before the 2031 redistricting cycle. LWVWA Redistricting Issue Chair Alison McCaffree is leading the Redistricting Reform Task Force. Explore our White Paper detailing the effort and background.
Campaign Timeline
Our Local Campaign Checklist
Explore the tasklist that is guiding our Local Area Team's efforts over the next year.
Why Washington Needs Major Redistricting Reform
The 2021 Washington State Redistricting Commission failed to create maps that represented the people. A good outreach process was muted. Partisan interests prevailed behind closed doors, resulting in Commissioners rushing to approve maps they had barely seen. Incumbent protection and partisan tradeoffs dominated district line decisions. The State Supreme court let the negotiated maps stand. Since there was little time to perfect maps, even noncontroversial modifications were not done.
The maps were challenged as being in violation of Section 2 of the federal Voting Rights Act. The U.S. District Court ruled that the 15th district in Yakima was discriminatory towards Latino voters, forcing the redrawing of legislative districts in central Washington. New court-drawn maps were issued in March 2024, creating a new LD14 district where Latino voters have a very good chance to elect the candidates of their choice. This change caused a ripple effect, as needed adjustments swirled through surrounding districts to balance population numbers. Overall, 13 districts in 15 counties are affected. Nearly half a million people will change districts and 5 legislators are no longer in the district they represent. The decision is being appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for a stay. The election process will move forward with these maps, including the 2024 election, unless there is a ruling.
The people of Washington State deserve better. We deserve district lines that best represent the people of the state and give us the best chance to elect the representative of our choosing.
We propose these areas for redistricting reform:
1. Structure: Create a 'People First' Commission
2. Support: Permanent staff, earlier support
3. Accountability: Define criteria and rank them
4. Transparency: Timely negotiations in public
5. Input: Clear outreach and input processes
6. Access: Translation & Interpretation for all
Our League is participating in the work. Please join our Local Action Team and help us build a coalition of support for this much-needed reform.
BACKGROUND
Once every 10 years, we redraw our voting-district maps, based on census data. Voting power depends on having fair maps that give each voter a good chance at electing someone who will advocate for issues they care about. Where you draw the lines matters.
People Powered Fair Maps is a nationwide redistricting campaign of the League of Women Voters of the United States, focused on creating fair voting districts in all 50 states. Here in Washington State, support for the national initiative includes the Speak Up School project - a targeted strategy to improve the quality, content and diversity of input to the any public Commission, Council or Board. Please contact us if you would like to schedule a Speak Up School presentation.
Download our brochure with tips on how to make your voice heard: Your Voice Matters.
Polish your ‘Speak Up’ Skills. We’ve posted our Speak Up School training sessions. If you want to testify and have questions about how to put together an effective statement, these videos can help:
o How to Prepare your Testimony
o How to Testify with Impact
Snohomish County District maps:
The final recommendation has been posted. Find links and Districting Committee materials, here.
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Listen to an interview on Comprehensive Redistricting Reform in Washington State
We talk with Alison McCaffree, LWVWA Redistricting Chair,about the need for comprehensive redistricting reform in response to the disappointing 2022 process. Podcast (30 minutes)
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