All Congressional Districts! Redistricting Public Outreach Meeting October 9, 2021, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The once-a-decade redistricting process is almost complete in Washington State. Every 10 years, after the federal census, we redraw the boundaries of our congressional and legislative electoral districts to ensure that each district represents an equal number of residents. To ensure that our congressional and legislative district maps take into account as many local ideas as possible, the Washington State Redistricting Commission needs to hear from you. We need you to identify communities that need a greater voice and to say how to make your district competitive and representative. This is your last chance to testify on Congressional Districts. Don't wait, register for public comment Testifying doesn't take long. Follow these simple steps: Register and join the meeting with the link sent to you.
Prepare to talk on Zoom for 1-2 minutes. You may have to wait awhile for your turn.
Introduce yourself and which congressional district you live in.
Say what you like or dislike about your district, and the maps of the 4 voting commissioners.
Share a personal story about why this is important to you.
End by repeating, in one sentence, how you'd like the commissioners to draw the maps.
From KCR Chairwoman Lisa Evans:
I have received many questions on re-districting. At the current time, there is a significant chance that we will swing from the 3rd to the 4th Congressional District. This would not be the first time that they moved Klickitat County, but why should we move at all? Things to consider for your comments, whether verbal or written.
No one on the Commission has contacted the KCR to find out our views on being moved around like a chess piece. This is disruptive to our county who invests in its elected officials and candidates.
Ask yourself if your area has more in common with Yakama or the Columbia River Gorge--personality, industry, agriculture, interests. The 3rd Congressional District keeps us more in the Gorge, running east/west from Klickitat County out to Clark County. The 4th moves us to a District that begins at the Columbia River and ends at the Canadian Border, more of a north/south orientation.
Our Congressional District is currently politically diverse and competitive. Moving us to the 4th transitions us to a District that is considered Republican leaning, but that leaves the 3rd to be more Democrat influenced.
The above are a few points to consider. They are not meant to be an argument for or against re-districting, but rather for you to consider as a resident of the county.
Synopsis: We want to keep our Congressional District politically competitive and politically diverse, and we want to be grouped with the Congressional District that complements, supports, and values our lifestyle both in work and hobbies.
An excerpt from Ruth Peterson, administrative Assistant to Senator John Braun (R) Lewis County.
To provide comment, go to the following link -https://www.redistricting.wa.gov/submit-public-testimony
"You can submit either a written document or a video. The message you need to write is simple:
Our elections must be kept competitive, if we are going to have an effective government. Our population is diverse and all should have a chance to voice their opinions in elections. We need more districts that are competitive – not fewer.
But when you write your statement, try to make it your own words. Sending 1000 emails that are individual is far more effective than sending 1000 copy-and-paste emails. However, if you only have time to do just that, it's certainly better than nothing. You only need to write a few sentences. You can name your preferred map, if you like, but use the word “competitive” somewhere in your statement. You know that activist organizations are already gearing up their people to choose the Sims map. We need to combat that effort if we want to win future elections.
Elections are all about the numbers. You can complain about how things are and be angry and frustrated. I can relate. I am too. But we have an opportunity to do something more here. Something that makes a difference. Please take action and click on that link today. We must also spread the word! We need thousands of comments to make a difference, so please forward this message to as many people as you can. This is a serious call to action."