LWVGA urges the Georgia General Assembly to bring transparency to the reapportionment process.

Media Contact:
Kelli Persons
(404) 522-4598

Atlanta, Georgia, February 7, 2011 –    After the disclosure of the creation of a Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment office, the League of Women Voters of Georgia are concerned about the direction and spirit of reapportionment.    “Reapportionment must be a fair and open process for all citizens of Georgia. While we are relieved that they did not choose a private company to conduct this work, we hope the priorities of this office are a commitment to non-partisan redistricting and a transparent, open process with many opportunities for citizen input,” said Tracey-Ann Nelson, executive director of the League.

The League of Women Voters of Georgia and several coalition partners will sponsor legislation in the upcoming weeks to include five standards in the redistricting process. These standards include drawing districts that do not favor political parties or incumbents, drawing districts that do not abridge equal opportunities for minorities and encouraging the use the of existing city, county, geographical and community boundaries. “We want to make redistricting as transparent as possible and remove partisanship from the equation and these five standards will do just that”.

Previously the Legislative Reapportionment Services Office was housed by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute where they worked closely with the US Census Bureau in the collection of data and the General Assembly in the assistance of drawing district maps. The General Assembly failed to renew the contract with the University for these services in 2010. “The University’s role in redistricting is important because of the academic and institutional knowledge as well as nonpartisan posture. To lose that professionalism in this important democratic process is a threat to our democratic values.”

Entering into its 91^st year, The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.