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MESSAGING &SOCIAL MEDIATOOLKITRedistricting 2023
REDISTRICTING TIMELINESecond Public Hearing and Committee Meeting1:30 PM, State House Room 200July 7July 17July 21Aug 14 Redistricting Special Session begins. Thesession date was set by Gov Kay Ivey. New Congressional Map Due to District Court.District Court hearing on the new Congressionalmaps, in case there are any issues with the map.July 13Deadline for all maps to be submitted to theReapportionment CommitteeImportant Dates in the Redistricting Process2023
Redistricting is our once-in-a-decadeprocess of accounting for state-levelpopulation changes in Alabama to drawnew district maps from the federal level tothe local level which makes an impact onhow funding is distributed for healthcare,schools, and roads. No matter our color, background, or zipcode, voters should pick the leaders, notthe other way around. District linesshould give our votes equal weight andequal stature and our communitiesaccess to equal resources foreducation, roads, and healthcare. The districts drawn during thiscycle will impact and shape ourlives for the next decade anddirectly influence howresources are distributed toAlabama communities. GENERAL TALKING POINTS
When community members join together tospeak out for fair districting, they are speakingout for whole communities, securingresources needed for schools and familieswho live in their communities for the nextdecade. COMMUNITY TALKING POINTSSpeaking up for your communityinforms the redistrictingcommittees of your opinions onwhat is important in yourcommunity. Simply put, no one knowscommunities better than thosewho live there. The public must see thattheir elected officialscare about theirconcerns, recognize theirunique needs, andrespect their voices inthis process.
The drawing of fair maps has animpact beyond just voting.Ensuring an equitable drawing ofmaps means ensuring anequitable distribution ofresources throughout ourcommunities. The census dataupon which these maps are basedis used to determine the needs ofour communities on a granderscale-- everything from schooldistrict funding to public worksprojects is at stake. Fair maps promote electionintegrity. If maps are drawn suchthat certain groups’ politicalpower is diluted in the process,the integrity of each election iscompromised. If each person’svote does not carry equal weight,the elections they participate inare hardly more thanperformative democracy.Equitable maps mean higher-quality politicians. When voterscan choose their representatives,and representatives don’t get tochoose their voters, we all benefitfrom better representation.Candidates who have to win overtheir constituents in fair electionsthat take place inequitably drawndistricts, where each person’svote carries equal weight, have towin out in the marketplace ofideas. We are all better off whenour candidates actually have towin over our communities andappeal to a broad swath ofperspectives. Alabamians deserve transparencyin this process. Our state has ahistory of using inequitably drawnmaps to dilute the political powerof minority communities.Transparency is paramount toensure that equitable maps aredrawn this time aroundThis process is not about dilutingthe existing political power ofcertain communities, it’s aboutrestoring the political power ofcertain communities that hasbeen historically diluted. Theequitable distribution of politicalpower relies on the principle of“one person, one vote.” Thisessential facet of our democracymust be upheld to protect theintegrity of our election system,and the best way to do that isthrough a transparentredistricting process that drawsout fair mapsDrawing fair districts is not a partisan issue. Democrat,Republican, or Independent, we are all better off wheneach of our votes carries equal weight. The principle of“one person, one vote” is essential for an equitable,secure, and sustainable democracy.
Redistricting affects our front doorEducation Redistricting directly affects funding foreducation. We all want our children tohave access to quality education, themost up-to-date academic programs,and activities to help put them ahead asthey prepare for their futures. Havingrepresentation from someone whounderstands our community, gives ourchildren a greater chance of equitableeducation. Criminal JusticeRedistricting directly affects howAlabama’s prison population is counted,how funding for prisons is handled,including the handling of the prison over-population issues. Those who representdistricts in the State Legislature are alsoin charge of making Alabama laws, whichdirectly affect the criminal justice systemin Alabama. HealthcareRedistricting directly affects funding forhealthcare. We all want access toquality healthcare from hospitals andspecialist care. Having representationfrom those who understand ourcommunities' needs gives us a bettershot at having much-needed healthcareopportunities.Voting RightsRedistricting directly affects voting rights.When legislators Gerrymander district lines,they directly affect the power of our votes.Drawing district maps unfairly can affect howmuch a vote is truly worth in a district. Lettingour voices be heard during redistricting keepour voices and votes heard.
Help Spread The Word!#HASHTAGS#alpolitics #AllenvMilligan #MerrillvMilligan #SCOTUS #SupremeCourt#Alabama #BlackVotesMatter #BlackVotersMatter #VotingRightsAct#CivilRights #AlabamaForward #justice #community #bethechange#currentaffairs #socialchange #changeagent #freedom#powertothepeople
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JOIN OUR E-NEWS LIST! Stay Connected andup-to-date on all things redistricting! CONTACT USAnneshia HardyExecutive Directoranneshia@alvalues.orgKendra LoveSr. Media Strategistkendra@alvalues.orgKevin CrookCreative Associatekevin@alvalues.orgZephyr ScalzettiDigital Organizerzephyr@alvalues.org