Public News Service: WI Latinx Voters Want Fair Representation in New District Maps

12.10.2021 / By Jonah Chester
Public News Service: WI Latinx Voters Want Fair Representation in New District Maps

Kathay Feng, national redistricting director for Common Cause, said once voting maps hit the courts, it becomes more difficult for citizens to weigh in on the process. Speaking at a redistricting seminar, she noted the best way to influence the process was through a ballot. "In some states where you have judicial elections, or there's a way to influence the judges that are chosen, it's making sure that there is a tremendous amount of voter education," Feng urged.

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision to make few changes when redrawing the state’s voting maps is raising new concerns new districts may not adequately represent the growing number of Hispanic and Latinx voters.

The court has said any alterations to the maps will be based on population shifts and certain legal principles, like the Voting Rights Act.

The Latinx community is Wisconsin’s largest and fastest-growing minority group, according to the 2020 Census. …

Kathay Feng, national redistricting director for Common Cause, said once voting maps hit the courts, it becomes more difficult for citizens to weigh in on the process. Speaking at a redistricting seminar, she noted the best way to influence the process was through a ballot.

“In some states where you have judicial elections, or there’s a way to influence the judges that are chosen, it’s making sure that there is a tremendous amount of voter education,” Feng urged.

See More: Gerrymandering/RedistrictingVoting RightsVoting & Elections