Greenville Daily Reflector Editorial: Independent redistricting Sunday, July 14, 2013 A legal challenge to the 2011 redistricting maps alleging a concerted effort to suppress the influence of minority voters was almost certain to fall flat. Those drawing the lines know to honor requirements of the Voting Rights Act — the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling notwithstanding — and conservative majorities on the higher courts are likely to look with favor on state Republicans’ map-making skills. For opponents, though, it was the only card they had to play since the real goal of legislative redistricting was to cement the GOP’s electoral advantage, a constitutional if entirely distasteful result of the process — no matter which party controls it. That should be of great concern to residents of this community, who have for years seen their voice deliberately quieted by the powers-that-be in Raleigh. In Section 3 of Article II in the N.C. Constitution, there exists a declaration regarding the choosing of state senators. “No county shall be divided in the formation of a senate district,” it reads, in what is commonly known as the “whole-county provision” of the law. It was mitigated by the state’s obligations under the Voting Rights Act and further diminished by subsequent court cases. If Pitt County wants to muster outrage about any aspect of redistricting, it should be here. For decades, this community — the 14th most populous county in the state, home to the 10th largest city — has been carved up in a way that effectively minimizes its voice. In contrast to the constitutional requirement, Pitt County is divided between two Senate districts and both reside beyond the county line. That is a typical result of North Carolina’s highly partisan redistricting process. When the Democratic Party held sway in Raleigh, it drew maps behind closed doors and sought to keep a tight grip on power. Since taking control, Republicans have shown themselves no different. Overlooked are places like this, seen by lawmakers as spoils to be divided rather than people to be served. The only solution to this perpetual cycle is to establish a non-partisan redistricting commission to draw the maps, allowing lawmakers to vote them up or down. Doing so would wrest control away from those who abuse that privilege and help create a legislature that protects county representation and regional voices. Competitive election districts also encourage responsiveness and improve accountability. Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans show themselves deserving of trust with redistricting. Perhaps it is time to try something different.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Jul 2013 15:51:52 +0000