People Powered Fair Maps™ is a national redistricting program of the League of Women Voters focused on creating fair political maps nationwide in all 50 states + D.C. In June 2019, the US Supreme Court ruled in Rucho v. League of Women Voters of North Carolina that no fair test exists for courts to determine when partisan gerrymandering has gone too far. As a result, federal courts will be hands-off in the redistricting process even when new district lines are drawn to intentionally decrease the voting power of voters based solely on their political party.
People Powered Fair Maps™ was launched in September 2019 to create fair and transparent, people-powered redistricting processes that eliminate partisan and racial gerrymandering nationwide. Once drawn, our maps determine how we’re represented in the government for the next ten years. This means all state and local decisions on health care, jobs, the environment, education, and more, rely on fair maps.
Through People Powered Fair Maps™, the League is committed to ensuring that maps are drawn fairly and accurately, with all voices considered and equitably represented. This can only be achieved with voices from all communities.
Connect with your state or local League for opportunities to have a voice in how maps are drawn in your community.
Focus Areas
Civic Engagement & Education
Civic engagement and education are critical components of elevating People Powered Fair Maps™. The League will work to grow civic engagement and education nationwide to ensure that the public knows what’s at stake, how and when to get involved, and how to hold map drawers accountable to their communities. Leagues will work to deepen relationships with and center the voices and experiences of those most disproportionately impacted by gerrymandering in their localities, leveraging tools for organizing and engagement, like social media, recruiting volunteers, and driving voter contact efforts.
Independent Redistricting Commissions
The League will take action by supporting the implementation of independent redistricting commissions. Leagues in states with Independent Redistricting Commissions will engage the public to apply for commission seats, observe the map-drawing process, and provide input in the process to achieve fair maps.
State Constitutional Options
In this focus area, the League will actively monitor and work to protect the “free and fair” clause in state constitutions, and push to protect public transparency in the process.
State Legislative Fixes
The League seeks opportunities to improve public input in the redistricting process and coordinate with states to identify legislation that will set standard criteria for drawing maps, as well as moving forward laws that protect and increase transparency.
Federal Legislative Fixes
At the federal level, the League of Women Voters will push for the restoration of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and work to pass legislation that is comprised of voter protection and protecting the redistricting process from racial and partisan gerrymandering.
Impact by the Numbers – Partners
Across the country, Leagues are engaging with a number of partner organizations in support of People Powered Fair Maps™. As of November 2020, Leagues had partnered with more than 1,000 organizations, coalitions, and groups to help build a movement for People Powered Fair Maps™. These groups include national, state, and local civil rights groups, immigrant-rights groups, and faith-based organizations.
Virtual Meetings
Leagues have worked diligently to elevate the visibility of People Powered Fair Maps™. Since November 2020, Leagues have held more than 1,300 virtual and in-person events and forums. Virtual meetings include conferences, rallies, forums, presentations, and trainings.
Earned Media
Several national, state, and local news outlets have covered the successes of People Powered Fair Maps™. These outlets include U.S. News & World Report, Associated Press, Politico, Washington Times, Miami Herald, Las Vegas Journal Review,
The League of Women Voters®, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
