Campaign
Prison Gerrymandering
Counting incarcerated people in prison distorts representation in our democracy.
Fair Redistricting & Ending Gerrymandering
Politicians should not be allowed to draw voting maps that benefit themselves. We need to create a fair system so that voters choose their politicians, not the other way around.
Every ten years, states redraw their electoral districts to reflect population changes. This process should be about making sure that everyone has a voice in our government, but in some states, it has become a partisan tool to undermine our democracy.
Drawing unfair maps — a process known as gerrymandering — denies communities the representation and resources they deserve. Our work to end gerrymandering includes efforts in the courts, on the ballot, and in the legislature to ensure a just and independent process.
What We’re Doing
Take Action
Petition
Sign the Petition: End Prison Gerrymandering Forever in RI
Every 10 years, we update our state’s district maps to account for population changes — and to ensure that no matter where we live, all Rhode Islanders are fairly represented in our government.
But there’s a major problem with how we conduct this count. Under our current rules, a person who is in the Adult Correctional Institutions on Census Day is counted as a resident of the prison — NOT as a resident of their hometown.
I believe that communities in Rhode Island should get the representation they deserve. Please...
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Press
Press Release
New data reveals where people in Rhode Island prisons come from
Report shows every community is harmed by mass incarceration
Press Release
Grassroots Coalition Calls on Rhode Island Leaders to Eliminate Prison Gerrymandering
Today, more than 20 statewide organizations sent a letter to the members of Rhode Island’s Special Committee on Reapportionment, urging them to end the harmful practice of prison gerrymandering. With a single vote, the committee can immediately enact this change so the data can be updated before drawing new district maps.
Press Release
U.S. Census Bureau Releases New Format of Data for a More Participatory Redistricting Process
Today, the U.S. Census Bureau will release population data from the 2020 Census in an easy-to-use format for Americans who want to advocate for fair maps in this year’s redistricting cycle. The new format of the data will be made available to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and will be key to increasing participation in the ongoing redistricting efforts.
