Issues

What is redistricting and how does it affect you?

Redistricting is the process of creating representational voting district maps for states and local communities. By defining the areas included in each mapped boundary, redistricting controls population and voting groups for US and local government offices.  Those put in office then determine  how resources are distributed for those areas.

The goal of the LWVUS People Powered Fair Maps program is to create fair and transparent, people-powered redistricting processes to eliminate partisan and racial gerrymandering in states nationwide.  

By building a national movement to advance redistricting nationally, we are working to put the power over the redistricting process back in the hands of the people.  

See more information about People Powered Fair Maps and related efforts on the Redistricting page on our LWV US website.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) introduced H.R. 14, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act on March 5, 2025. The bill aims to restore and modernize protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA).  It is co-sponsored by every House Democrat and supported by more than 140 organizations across the US.

The 1965 Voting Rights Act has been a crucial tool for curbing racial discrimination in voting and representation. In 2013, the Supreme Court’s decision in Shelby County v. Holder stripped a key protection of the law, federal preclearance for voting law changes.  This has allowed states to enact a multitude of new discriminatory voting laws and  practices, including restrictive voter ID laws, polling place closures and voter registration roll purges. 

You can find out how to contact your US Congressman here to urge them to support this bill.