Prop 50 Passed. Here’s Why Every State Should Be Concerned.

By VRF Staff

As you probably heard, Prop 50 just passed in California. Before you jump to your keyboards and pick a side...

This is bad for not only Republicans and Independents, it’s also bad for Democrats.

Prior to Prop 50, an Independent Commission of randomly selected citizens drew maps for California.

Prop 50 gave that power back to the Legislature, meaning lawmakers could design maps that protect their own seats or advantage their party.

History shows they will.

Nationwide, the number of competitive state races has dropped from 21% to 16% since 2001.

But in California, thanks to the independent commission, we saw more competitive districts. And not just more.

They doubled.

Before the Independent Commission, incumbents in California were 3x more likely to win their seats.

After the Independent Commission, as much as 15% of seats were up for grabs every election.

While that may not sound like much, it launched California from being one of the most gerrymandered states in the country to one of the most fair.

Photo credit: ABC News

Now, in the name of today, California has sacrificed tomorrow.

While Democrats may cheer in the Golden state, they will now be stuck with the same politicians every year.

Texas Republicans will experience the same.

Gerrymandering most benefits those in power.

Politicians, and parties.

But let’s take a step back.

Why should the government draw lines that rig districts in their favor at all? Districts should represent the people.

Because of Prop 50, a dangerous precedent is now looming. One where Democrats, Republicans, and Independents all lose.

It’s up to us to reject gerrymandering outright. This isn’t a left vs. right issue, this is the people versus an overpowered and self-serving government.

People should pick their politicians. Politicians should not pick their people.