Upcoming Pasadena League of Women Voters Event Focuses on Role of the Supreme Court in Shaping Democracy Through Redistricting

The League of Women Voters of Pasadena’s “Thursday with the League” this September 14 will focus on recent decisions made by the Supreme Court and how these rulings impact the democratic process, particularly in relation to redistricting.

The event takes place at Blinn House at 160 N. Oakland Ave. from 10 a.m.-12 noon. Alton Wang,  an Equal Justice Works fellow at Common Cause, will be the main speaker.

As an attorney with Common Cause, Wang manages ongoing litigation to fight gerrymandering and he works to advance reforms which implement independent redistricting commissions at local and state levels.

“By challenging gerrymandered maps, we work to ensure that local communities have the ability to elect candidates of their choice into office and to uplift the voices of these communities,” Wang told Pasadena Now. “We have to fight gerrymandering in the courts to ensure that state legislators or any other leaders that attempt to gerrymander district lines to their benefit are held accountable, and to ensure that a fairer, community-centered plan can be implemented.”

Wang believes that establishment of independent redistricting commissions, which will empower residents to draw the lines, is one of the best ways to end gerrymandering.

“By moving the power of redistricting from politicians and elected officials to the hands of the people, it ensures that community members are in charge of the process. Politicians should not draw the very lines that they have to seek office and run in,” he said. 

Wang also said jurisdictions that implement independent redistricting commissions have produced redistricting plans that better reflect the communities they represent.

Wang will talk more about the topic at the upcoming “Thursday with the League”. Light refreshments will be served at the event.

To register, click the link below: https://crm.nonprofiteasy.com/6731/Pages/Events/#/Details/14172/