Follow the news. Draw maps. Plant signs.
Celebrate the victories!
On May 14, the Wisconsin Supreme Court rejected a Republican backed effort to change Wisconsin’s redistricting rules. The Wisconsin Institute of Law & Liberty had asked the Court to take original jurisdiction of any redistricting dispute, by-passing the trial court phase. Law Forward and the Fair Maps Coalition notified the public, whose comments reflected overwhelming opposition to the rule change. The Court held a hearing. Many testified against the proposal, including North Shore Fair Maps members and guest speakers. A unanimous Court issued an Order denying WILL’s request. It cited the pros and cons, listed the names of all who testified, and left the door open to take original jurisdiction at a later date if deemed appropriate. A sign the WI Supreme Court does not want to be pushed around by anybody.
This was the second recent blow to the folks who want to keep partisan gerrymandering alive in Wisconsin. A couple of weeks ago a Dane County judge blocked the Legislature from hiring outside lawyers (at taxpayer expense) to work on redistricting, and voided a contract the Legislature had entered into to do just that. Read the decision here. And on May 10 the judge refused to stay the action pending appeal. In other words, the Legislature is currently without the power to hire or pay outside lawyers to further their redistricting goals. That makes sense, since they have easy access to the Legislative Reference Bureau, which has the expertise needed to help them draw voting maps, and has even published a 2020 Redistricting Guidebook.
Speaking of victories…
Let the sun shine – and it did – at Monday’s Fair Maps Rally
Monday May 17 was a great day to #EndGerrymandering, and hundreds attended a WI Capital rally to do just that. Rep Deb Andraca and Sen Jeff Smith introduced their bipartisan Fair Maps Bill. Read more from Wisconsin Public Radio. Listen to WUWM coverage. Watch the Rally as recorded by Wisconsin Eye. A contingent from North Shore Fair Maps joined hundreds from around the state. Here’s what some of our members said about the day: “It was exciting and motivating to be with people in person again and for fair maps. We feel more confident that change will come.” Call your WI Reps and tell them Wisconsin deserves fair maps, it’s time to #EndGerrymandering.
Opinions matter
NSFM team lead Debbie Patel’s Op Ed and mapping team lead Cheryl Maranto’s Letter to the Editor made their way into the Ozaukee News Graphic Thursday May 13. Our job is to keep spreading the word….
Sign up for Map Play!
Do it now. Go to https://bit.ly/MapPlay. Sign up for Map Play and draw your community of interest map. Do it because it’s fun. Do it for the People’s Maps Commission. Do it so your personal interests and values will be reflected in Wisconsin’s new Voting Maps. Just do it. Learn more about mapping communities of interest at http://bit.ly/MappingCOI. If you sign up and are out of our area we will redirect you. https://bit.ly/MapPlay.
Draw the districts – two mapping contests
Our friends in Pierce County want you to draw an entire Wisconsin Assembly map! The “Color Me Fair” Contest runs through July 31. Read more here. Princeton University is also running a contest, called the “Great American Map Off!” This national contest calls for Wisconsin Senate maps. Read more here. The contest runs through June 15. Both contests use Dave’s Redistricting software.
It’s spring – time to plant a yard sign!
Go to https://bit.ly/WantYardSign. Note: We are arranging pick up locations in Milwaukee County’s North Shore area, parts of Ozaukee County, and Germantown. If you do not live in those areas, individual signs and other Fair Maps swag can be purchased through https://www.fairmapswi.com/.
Next meeting 7PM Monday June 14
Details to follow. RSVP at https://bit.ly/NSFMMonthly.
Recent meetings
May 10 meeting — “Across the Divide”
With featured guests Benjamin Rangel, who represents the 4th CD on the Wisconsin People’s Maps Commission, and Walter Olson, Cato Institute Senior Fellow and the Republican Co-Chair of the Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission. WATCH/SHARE THE VIDEO and SEE/SHARE THE EVENT SLIDES.
May 2 “Mopping up Wisconsin’s Map Mess”
With panelists Deb Andraca, State Assemblywoman, 23rd Assembly District, Mel Barnes, Staff Attorney, Law Forward, and Carlene Bechen, State Organizer, WI Fair Maps Coalition, moderated by Debbie Patel, North Shore Fair Maps. VIDEO OF EVENT; Q&A FOLLOW UP; EVENT SLIDES; DISCUSSION OUTLINE WITH ACTION ITEMS AND SOURCE MATERIALS.