• Home
• Voting & Democracy
  • Go Vote
  • N.C. Voter Guide
  • VoterRadio.com
• Research & Publications
  • Follow the Money
  • NCCVE Research
• Multimedia
  • The Voter Update Podcast
• For the Media
  • News Releases
  • Media Advisories
  • Contact NCCVE
• About Us
  • Board of Directors
  • Staff
  • Contribute to NCCVE
  • Contact Us
• Search

For Immediate Release
November 20, 2003
Contact: Jesse Rutledge, N.C. Center for Voter Education,
(919) 839-1200

N.C. Needs News Redistricting Approach

RALEIGH – With another round of redistricting approaching in a matter of days, the Center for Voter Education used today’s public hearings at the state legislature to reiterate its call for wholesale changes in how the state’s political maps are drawn.

The Center supports the creation of an Independent Redistricting Commission. Such commissions are in use in numerous states around the country and have proven a viable alternative for redrawing political maps.

“What we have now, and what we have had for decades, leads to voter confusion, long and expensive court battles, and time consumed by the legislature that could better be used addressing other serious problems in our state,” said Chris Heagarty, the Center’s executive director, at today’s hearing.

Heagarty noted that confusion in the election process is heightened when redistricting is a long and drawn out battle. Voters are less likely to know who the candidates are, while the candidates must delay their campaigns until they find out to which voters they need to present their views. The result, Heagarty said, is a less informed electorate.

“The citizens of this state deserve a redistricting process that works,” Heagarty said. “The constant legislative and judicial squabbles reinforce the public perception that the existing process only serves incumbents and political operatives. Public confidence needs to be restored.”

The NC Center for Voter Education is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality and responsiveness of the state’s election system. The organization is chaired by Judge Ed Wilson of Rockingham County.

- 30 -