You have likely read that Washington State has yet another legislative district map. If you are wondering how we got here and where we go next, plan to attend a briefing by the LWVWA Redistricting Reform Task Force. Two sessions are offered. (Registration also available through the LWVWA April calendar page.)
New Legislative Map Briefings
Wednesday, April 10, 6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.
Register
here.
Saturday, April 13 10:30 A.M. - 12:00 noon
Register
here.
Finalized on Friday, March 25, 2024, with a court order from Judge Lasnik, these new maps are the remedy from the Soto Palmer v Hobbs decision. Despite a last-minute attempt by the Intervenor-Defendant’s to enact a simpler change, the Plaintiff’s 3A map was adjusted for technical fixes and made law. Overall, 13 districts in 15 counties are affected. Over half a million people will change districts, and five legislators are no longer in the district they represent. The decision is being appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for a stay. The election process will move forward with these maps, including the 2024 election, unless there is a ruling.
This churn did not need to happen. We need a better process.
The League of Women Voters of Washington supports a fully funded independent citizen redistricting process with enforceable standards that promote timely, fair, and effective representation. In June, the State League passed a resolution at our statewide convention supporting the Redistricting Reform Campaign to restructure our state’s outdated redistricting commission.