Gerrymandering/Redistricting

Last week, the Pittsburgh City Council passed a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to end the manipulation of congressional districts and state legislative districts for political advantage.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments last Tuesday in Evenwel v. Abbott, a case that has huge implications for who has a voice in our democracy.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments last Tuesday in Evenwel v. Abbott, a case that has huge implications for who has a voice in our democracy.

Steve Shapiro, a Common Cause Maryland member and a longtime federal employee, filed that case that became Shapiro v. McManus on his own behalf. Though not a lawyer, he represented himself when the case came before U.S. District Judge James K. Breder in Baltimore and later when it was before the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond. Judge Breder dismissed the case, concluding that the claim of partisan gerrymandering is not a matter for the courts to decide. While his decision was upheld by the 4th Circuit, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the suit should have been heard and decided on the merits by a special three-judge panel.

Common Cause hosted a telephone media conference call on Evenwel v. Abbott, potential landmark case on redistricting and every citizen’s right to fair representation on Friday, Decmber 4. You can listen to the 38 minute briefing here.

The Florida Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Fair Districts Now Coalition and selected its preferred map to replace existing congressional districts.