League of Women Voters reviews redistricting and the Electoral College

The League of Women Voters of the San Juans will hold its next public membership meeting on Monday, April 9 at the San Juan Island Library conference room from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The subjects of the meeting will be redistricting and the Electoral College.

In the past few years, there has been a good deal of criticism of the Electoral College and the unique role it plays in the country’s democracy. This program is intended to help people understand more fully why it was created and how its role has changed since its inception. Should the electoral college be tweaked or abandoned entirely? There are strong and informed voices speaking for both possibilities.

In addition, the issue of redistricting is another element in evaluating if “one man, one vote” continues to apply in the United States. If partisan commissions can draw district lines which defy reason or logic to ensure that a particular party dominates, how does this practice serve the country’s democracy? Across the nation, courts are hearing cases challenging the partisan practices in certain states.

These two issues are little understood and yet are essential for voters to comprehend in order to form opinions and speak to those who do have the power and responsibility to fine-tune or change election practices.

All league meetings are open to the public. For more information, follow the league on Facebook @LWVSanJuans.

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