So Many Redistricting Concerns…
By: Claudia Lange, a Democracy Defender
Good Evening,
I am writing to voice my concerns about the redistricting process. The drawing of fair maps, state and Congressional, which accurately represent the citizens living in North Carolina is critically important. These are the maps that will be in place for a decade. It is vital to hear from all citizens. Because of the process offered in 2023, many millions of citizens may be prevented from having our voices heard. Here are my issues with the process and my suggestions for solutions.
Long drive for meetings scheduled at times when most are still working or caring for their families:
I live in the Piedmont Triad area. There is not one public hearing regarding the redistricting process being held in this area. The Piedmont Triad is a large population area. If I wanted to attend a public hearing on the upcoming redistricting process, I would have to drive at least 1.5 hours one way. As a healthcare professional and medical office staff, that is almost impossible to do during the week with such short notice and at one of our busiest times of the day/year. Surge after surge of flu, COVID, strep throat, RSV, along with the normal stresses of daily life, has left staff burned out, exhausted, sick, and most offices short staffed. Having a public hearing in a town 1-2 hours away at 4pm leaves me and other residents with little time to prepare, ask for time off (if we have it), and may cause conflicts with child care.
Low number of meetings before/no meetings after maps released compared to prior redistricting cycles:
The shockingly low number of public hearings for 2023 stands in stark contrast to the 2021 hearings for redistricting. At this time for 2023, with one scheduled today, there are 3 public hearings for the entire state, which now has a population of over 10 million people. Why so few? Not only is there not a public hearing in the Piedmont Triad, there are none in several of the largest population hubs in North Carolina including: Asheville, Fayetteville, Wilmington, and Charlotte-Mecklenberg. These areas represent millions of people whose voices may be silenced due to factors presented here. Neither are there meetings scheduled this year *after* the maps are drawn and presented to the public. How do members of the committee explain that there were 13 public hearings statewide for a lesser population in 2021? And the 62 planned meetings in 2011 in 36 counties before *and* after the maps were drawn? Surely, limiting public input was not the intent? Regardless of intent, in 2023 millions of people are effectively shut out of the redistricting process that will impact them for years to come. *This is unacceptable.*
No public comment portal provided for comments as was offered in 2021:
In 2021, there was a public comment portal through which people could comment on the redistricting process if they were unable to attend meetings in person. There is no such portal at this time. Over 4,000 citizens submitted comments using the portal in 2021. I know. I was one of them. Obviously, the people have something to say. In addition, if citizens are not familiar with the process, this was not enough time to educate themselves and write something to prepare to speak publicly. A public portal helps those who are not comfortable speaking publicly or who may not feel confident in an in person forum. Not offering the portal in 2023 is unacceptable.
Lack of appropriate notice/advertising for meetings:
Public hearing notice this year was sorely lacking. We had 7 days' notice to find out about the hearings, prepare our statements, make arrangements for jobs, families, language barriers, accommodations for people with disabilities to participate, schedule or reschedule child/family care, and arrange transportation. With people so busy and stressed, all the barriers to public participation feel burdensome.
To conclude my comments, I would like to offer my thoughts on solutions that would advocate for better public hearings:
1.) Schedule many more meetings before maps are drawn, especially in areas with a higher population density
2.) Advertise public hearing meetings starting at least two weeks prior to any scheduled meetings using various forms of media - social media, TV, radio, and in appropriate languages for the communities addressed
3.) Create a public comment portal as was utilized in 2021 so people can meaningfully participate in the process if they cannot attend in person
4.) Create a toll free number where people can record their comments if they do not have access to reliable internet
5.) Schedule meetings at times when working people can actually attend - evenings, weekends - and livestream the meetings so that people can watch the meetings if they cannot attend in person.
5.) Schedule meetings after the maps have been drawn and presented to the public to give people a chance to review and comment on the new districts
6.) All hearings should be recorded and available to the public so we can hear/view what our neighbors and other residents are saying about the process
7.) Safety and accessibility for all people including those with language barriers and physical limitations should be addressed for any in person meetings
These are not new ideas. The public comment portal was utilized in 2021 so it is not reinventing the wheel. It is disheartening that the preparation for the 2023 maps has taken a monumental step backwards as our population booms. I implore you, in the strongest possible language, listen to the people whom you serve and implement the above changes *ASAP*. We and our families will feel the impact of the new districts, potentially, for years to come. We are the great people of North Carolina. The people want and deserve accountability, transparency, and fairness for all in our maps *and* the map drawing process. We are the human machinery that makes this state run - our bodies, our minds, and our efforts. Without us, there IS no North Carolina.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
