State Sen. Chris Larson
Press Release

Statement on Redistricting Ruling

“Voters should choose their politicians; politicians shouldn’t choose their voters."

By - Nov 21st, 2016 04:32 pm

MADISON – The following is a statement from Senator Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) on today’s redistricting ruling.

“Today’s court ruling recognizes the Republican abuse of power as going too far in shutting out our neighbors’ voices in elections.

“Attempts to suppress the public’s voice by politically gerrymandering districts in order to weaken the voting power of targeted groups is a betrayal of our fundamental freedoms and values. The ruling today should serve as strong warning to Wisconsin and as a clear precedent to other states. If we were outsiders taking a real look at the flawed, unfair, and undemocratic voting system that one party rule has thrust upon our state, I am certain the majority of us would be shocked and outraged.

“It is important for us to remember that Republican legislators secretly drafted the district maps – including the Assembly maps now affirmed as unconstitutional – behind closed doors for months before hastily adopting them. They left little time for public input. During legal proceedings regarding specific district lines, Republicans were caught red-handed destroying evidence instead of lawfully handing it over to the judges. Hundreds of thousands of records were deleted at ‘suspicious times.’

“Walker and state Republicans have shown themselves to do anything to hold onto power. It is time we move forward with an unbiased system of redistricting to ensure the voices of all our neighbors can be heard.

“Voters should choose their politicians; politicians shouldn’t choose their voters.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

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