To the editor:

Sunshine Week, March 14-20, coincides with the birthday of Founding Father James Madison. Madison advocated for transparent government and freedom of the press as part of our checks and balances against corruption. Public access to data about government actions, school, workplace, food, health, elections, etc., lets us know who’s doing what and why. Information keeps us informed on whether the public is being protected or harmed.

2021 is the year for redistricting. Once the 2020 Census data is released in September, our Indiana state legislators must draw new districts for U.S. Congress (nine representative districts), Indiana State Senate (50 seats) and Indiana State Representative (100 seats).

The shape of the districts has changed drastically over the years. Some of the changes adjust boundaries for population shifts — to keep districts equal. But, some of the changes are so drastic, we have to question why? To see the shifts over the years go to: https://what-the-district.aclu.org.

Why?

• Why is Brown County in the same district as Greenwood and Martinsville to vote for U.S. Congress, but we were NOT in the same district before redistricting for the 2010 census?
• Why do some Indiana state districts include a large rectangular rural county, but also stretch a thin line to include urban centers of Indianapolis?
• Why is Monroe County divided into five districts?
• Why are Lake Monroe residents broken into multiple districts to vote?
• How can a legislator fairly represent such different communities with different interests? When urban dwellers want mass transit, but rural folks want better roads, this puts them at odds with state legislative goals.

Why were the district maps drawn the way they are?

• Were districts broken up on purpose to dilute the power of one group over another?
• Were districts drawn to make sure a current representative’s house remains in that district?
• Were districts gerrymandered to give more power to people who historically vote Democratic over people who vote Republican, or to give power to Republicans over Democrats?

What makes fair district maps?

The League of Women Voters believes fair criteria for developing voting districts includes:

• Equal population in adjoining geographic areas (as required by federal and state law)
• Representation of racial and linguistic minorities
• Promotion of partisan fairness and protection of “communities of interest”
• Respect for boundaries of municipalities and counties
• Avoid protecting incumbents or preference for party affiliation

What can you do for fairness and open government?

Ask for the redistricting process to be transparent. Attend sessions or write to let legislators know what you think.

• Attend a virtual public session with the Indiana Citizen Redistricting Commission March 16, 18, 23 or 30 at https://www.lwvin.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=42001&module_id=452896:
• Write Brown County legislators to ask what criteria will be used to draw maps and let them know what you think is fair: Email Sen. Eric Koch: [email protected]; Email Rep. Chris May: [email protected].
• Sign up for updates with the League of Women Voters or email with questions: [email protected].

Thank-you to the Brown County Democrat newspaper

A reporter from the Herald-Times recently told me how well known and respected the Brown County Democrat newspaper is, and especially our editor, Sara Clifford. The reporter said, “Sara doesn’t know me, but I know of her.” She continued, “Other papers are trying to emulate The Democrat’s example and the service they provide the community.” I agreed we are very lucky to have a newspaper so dedicated to keeping the community informed. Many thanks to Sara and our local staff for your dedication to making our community stronger and more informed with transparency. Thank you for celebrating Sunshine Week every week!

Shari Frank, president, League of Women Voters Brown County

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