Every ten years the City of Minneapolis redraws its voting lines to reflect population shifts within the city. The last round of redistricting in 2001 left many voters feeling disenfranchised because the process was used by political parties to draw the districts to their political advantage, without respecting community lines.
This fall, there will be question on the ballot in Minneapolis to remove political parties from the redistricting process. This Charter Amendment is being supported by Common Cause Minnesota and the League of Women Voters, Minnesota. This change will let voters take back the process from party insiders and instill a more transparent redistricting process.
If approved by voters, the amendment will call for the Charter Commission to appoint an advisory group to develop the new ward boundaries. This group should reflect the geographic and ethnic diversity of the city. The Charter Commission is the best body to handle the redistricting process because its members are appointed at-large by a non-partisan district judge. This is the best way to remove the political parties and their special interests from the process.
To find out more information on this effort call 612-605-7978 or visit www.redistrictingminneapolis.org.
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