Here’s more information about the public announcement made today in Charlotte:
A new coalition is being created to take on the challenge of ending gerrymandering in North Carolina.
The coalition, North Carolinians to End Gerrymandering Now, is being led by former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot, a Republican, and former Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker, a Democrat. The coalition will work to bring a nonpartisan redistricting process to North Carolina. The mayors agree that ending gerrymandering will not only be good for North Carolina but good for both political parties.
“Ending gerrymandering will ensure that no party out of power is marginalized without a voice,” said Vinroot. “Taking the politics out of the process will be an insurance policy for both parties.”
“North Carolina can create a 21st century redistricting process that creates fair districts that are compact and competitive,” said Meeker. “Ending gerrymandering will help boost public confidence in our government.”
The mayors’ first step in building the new coalition will be sending a a joint letter to municipal leaders asking for their support.
“We believe local leaders understand that ending gerrymandering will be good for North Carolina and that their support will help the legislature understand it’s the right thing to do.” said Vinroot.
Meeker added, “Local elected officials have a good sense of what their constituents want. By encouraging the NC General Assembly to set up a nonpartisan redistricting system, they will be a voice for the thousands of North Carolinians who want this change.”
North Carolinians who want to join the campaign to get a nonpartisan, data driven redistricting system in our state can go to www.endgerrymanderingnow.org to sign up or get more information.
