Hesselbein Advocates for Fair Maps Constitutional Amendment

MADISON – Representative Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) circulated new legislation today advocating for a Fair Maps Constitutional Amendment in Wisconsin. LRB-3739 will encompass redistricting legislation introduced previously this session in the form of a constitutional amendment.

“For years, our political system has been plagued by unacceptable gerrymandering. Every ten years, elected leaders in Wisconsin draw district boundaries that essentially ensure they will be reelected. The party in control manipulates the district lines to benefit themselves and cripple their opponents–and evolving technology has made the drawing of partisan districts even more extreme,” Hesselbein said.

Earlier this session Assembly Democrats introduced Assembly Bill 303, legislation designed to create a non- partisan redistricting system in Wisconsin similar to the successful “Iowa Model”. LRB-3739 puts the legislation into the form of a constitutional amendment.

Constitutional amendments require adoption by two successive legislatures and ratification by the people of the state before it can become effective. The legislation introduced by Hesselbein would be the first amendment consideration.

Wisconsin citizens are tired of gerrymandering. Surveys reveal 72% of Wisconsinites support non-partisan redistricting, and 50 counties have passed resolutions asking the state legislature to take action.

“Voters should choose their politicians; politicians should not choose their voters. If the people of Wisconsin pass this constitutional amendment, no political party will unfairly rig district maps in their favor ever again.”