Statement on US Census Bureau Data Release

MILWAUKEE— Today, the US Census Bureau released detailed local 2020 census data which marks the official beginning of the redistricting process. Localities and legislators will use this data to draw voting districts which will be used for the next ten years.

Sachin Chheda, director of the Fair Elections Project, issued the following statement in response to this once-in-a-decade opportunity to end gerrymandering and secure fair representation:

“The release of the 2020 Census data is the perfect moment for Wisconsin legislators to recognize the People’s Maps Commission and use this independent process to draw fair districts.

“The people of Wisconsin will refuse to accept politicians choosing their voters in the name of ‘politics as usual.’

“These maps determine the funding for our schools, hospitals, roads, and so much more for the next decade, and a supermajority of Wisconsinites are demanding an open redistricting process.

“We also have a chance to fix this redistricting process forever by passing the Iowa Model bill, AB 395 / SB 389, and finally taking politics out of the map-drawing process for good. We’re calling on legislative Republicans to hold a hearing on these bills to make sure Wisconsin has a fair and transparent process moving forward.

About the Fair Elections Project

The Fair Elections Project is fighting for fair redistricting around the country by inspiring and supporting litigation, legislation, and public advocacy to stop partisan gerrymandering. The goal is to end map-rigging, so that instead of politicians choosing their voters, voters can choose their elected officials, and elections will again be meaningful.

Keep up with the Fair Elections Project on the web at www.fairelectionsproject.org and on Twitter @FairElections.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.