As a Texan and a supporter of democracy, I am deeply troubled by the recent policy proposal put forth by the Republican Party of Texas. The idea that a candidate for statewide office must win the majority of the state’s 254 counties to secure election is not only unfair but also undemocratic. This proposed amendment effectively silences the voice of many Texans, particularly Democratic voters, who are predominantly concentrated in urban areas. It is shocking to see that land would now determine elections instead of people, especially in a diverse and vibrant state like Texas.
It is disheartening to witness such blatant attempts to manipulate the electoral process for political gain.… Continue reading
The recent decision by the Supreme Court to side with South Carolina Republicans in the redistricting dispute is not surprising but nonetheless disheartening. Despite clear evidence of intentional gerrymandering to diminish the voting power of Black residents in the state, the conservative majority on the Court chose to prioritize partisan interests over upholding the rights of all voters.
The argument put forth by South Carolina Republicans that the redistricting was based on politics rather than race is a weak attempt to mask the insidious intent behind their actions. By deliberately manipulating district lines to dilute the voting strength of Black communities, they have effectively silenced a significant portion of the population and undermined the principles of fair representation in our democracy.… Continue reading
Growing up in Canada, I have always admired the democratic processes in place, particularly the idea of proportional representation. The concept that the popular vote should directly translate to the distribution of power in government seems like a basic tenet of democracy. Yet, as I closely followed the situation in Wisconsin, it became apparent that gerrymandering had become a deeply entrenched practice that undermined this fundamental democratic principle.
The recent news that Wisconsin’s extreme gerrymandering era has come to an end with the implementation of new, more balanced maps is a significant step forward. The fact that the previous maps were so strongly biased towards Republicans, providing them with an unfair advantage in elections, was a clear violation of the democratic values that should guide our political system.… Continue reading
Wisconsin Democrats inch closer to overturning Republican-drawn legislative maps
As a Wisconsin resident, I have been closely following the efforts of the Democrats to overturn the Republican-drawn legislative maps that have plagued our state for far too long. These maps were gerrymandered terribly and should have been redrawn years ago. It is a clear violation of democratic principles and an infringement on the voice of the electorate.
For years, our state has been held hostage by unfair and unrepresentative district lines. The Republicans have used their power to draw the maps in a way that ensures their continued dominance, regardless of the actual will of the people.… Continue reading
Just the GOP trying to legislate the death of Democracy
It honestly baffles me how the American political system operates. As an outsider, I can’t help but notice the blatant barriers that are put in place to discourage people from voting. In my country, the Netherlands, the government sends the ballot to your home address automatically once you turn 18. There’s no need to register, stand in long lines, or travel great distances. Voting is accessible and convenient. It seems as though the US government is actively working against the idea of democracy.
What is even more concerning is the Republican Party’s continuous effort to suppress the vote.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker