New York Times Joins Fight Against Partisan Gerrymandering

The New York Times is joining Common Cause’s fight against partisan gerrymandering.

In an editorial published this morning, the paper argues that voters should pick their representatives, not the other way around. The editors write that partisan gerrymandering, specifically in North Carolina, is entangled with racial gerrymandering, and that the problem is consistent throughout the south.

“Self-interested politicians have no business making maps with the sole purpose of keeping themselves and their party in power,” the editorial asserts. The Times’ stance reflects the growing support for ending this system of protecting incumbents.

The editorial argues that partisan gerrymandering is not simply a tool of political warfare; it is method of rigging elections to protect incumbents. “How are “the losers” supposed to fight on a battlefield that the winners have systematically tilted against them?” the editors ask.

Read the full editorial here. To see why Common Cause is challenging partisan gerrymandering in court, check out our fact sheet on Common Cause vs Rucho. The courts must hold power accountable, for legislators naturally look out for their own interests.

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