Redistricting

2010 Voter Education

 

By Jocco Baccus, President

The Learning Tree, Inc.

The U.S. Census Bureau has a hard deadline of December 31, 2010 to deliver the state population counts to the country. By that same deadline, they are also charged with the task of doing the arithmetic of determining how many seats in the House of Representatives each state should have. That announcement has many folks awaiting the results of the 2010 Census. Researchers and demographers especially state legislatures in all 50 states will feast on the details of the data released.

Some of the most important contests this fall will be way down the ballot, state legislative races. Control of the state legislature matters because that will determine which party controls redrawing congressional district lines after this year's census report is released, redistricting also has huge financial implications.

What is redistricting? Simply said, it’s a process that divides voters into districts the controlling political party thinks it can win. After redistricting, incumbents often face significant numbers of new voters—voters that were previously in a different incumbent's district.

Census population data can be manipulated by looking at past voter patterns that favor the majority party thus creating an opportunity to increase the majority voting strength, each potential configuration of political boundaries has social (and political) implications for representation.

It comes as no surprise that tens of millions have and will be spent on state legislative races nationwide. The power to reapportion rests with the legislative authority.

The redistricting process evokes major questions about representative democracy, fairness, and political accountability. Redistricting in America is rotten. Across the country, for elections of every level, district lines are drawn in such a way that fundamental democratic values are subverted.

Locally, county commissions, school boards and city councils are creatures of the state. As such, the best evidence suggests that the same standards that apply to states also apply to local government. Without a firm understanding of what representation should mean, meaningful discussions of this important idea to redistricting will be limited.

It is very easy to be blasé about your right to vote and take a "whatever, who cares" kind of attitude about it but you shouldn't brush this great honor off so quickly. Regardless of the political environment, it is the responsibility of voters to take initiative in becoming politically involved.

“He who controls redistricting can control Congress”

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2010 General Election Voter Education

THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTER EDUCATION 

By Jocco Baccus, President

The Learning Tree, Inc.

Voter education is not about what party you belong to or what candidate to vote for. Voter Education should be the barometer by which we measure who supports our issues.

That vote you cast has a far reaching meaning. That vote you cast determines who your advocate is for, HEALTH CARE, AFORDABLE HOUSING, EDUCATION, PROPERTY TAXES, JOB DEVELOPMENT, RECREATION FACILITIES, HOW YOUR TAX DOLLARS ARE DISTRIBUTES FOR THE SERVICES YOU PAY FOR. There are a host of other issues that are determines by your vote.

But wait, the sad truth is on Election Day the number of registered voters that cast a ballot is not a reflection of the entire communities concerns, it’s only a small percentage of those that choose to be involved with the electoral process.

If 20% of the registered voters in an area turn out…That’s considered a good turn out…but wait…what about the other  80%... What’s wrong with this picture?

What you have is that 20% of the voters are choosing who makes public policy for the entire community and that public policy decision determines your quality of life for generations to come.

This is why voter education is so important. When an election cycle comes around you’ll already know what the issues are that you’re concerned about.

There are forces around us trying to sway our opinions. The tools used to focus your attention away from the issues are distractions, discouragement, distrust, doubt, indecision, procrastination, apathy, arrogance, isolation, and low self-esteem.

These distracters are neutralized by constantly focusing your attention, your actions, your goals and vision on the future of your community and giving our young people the type of political environment they can grow and flourish in.

Get involved in your local community. Local zoning boards, planning commissions, recreation commissions, board of elections and a host of other appointments of citizens by your elected officials. Volunteer to make a difference.

Don’t just depend on the media as your source of information. You need to keep your eyes on your tax dollars so you’ll know where and how it is being allocated.

Voter Education should be a priority in every household.

Take the young people with you when you go vote, take them with you to the city council, county commission and school board meetings.

Give them the opportunity to see first hand the power of politics, because in their hands lies the future.

If you plan to vote on November 2^nd or early vote, make it a point to encourage everyone you come in contact with that’ eligible to go VOTE!

No matter whom you vote for the important thing to remember is: After the election it will be up to us the voting constituency to track the progress of our elected officials.

The time has come to exercise the true meaning of accountability. We can no longer allow the people we elect to cut back room deals that only benefit their own selfish interest. You can tell a lot about a person, when they think you aren’t watching. We see you, [they have money for you if you are for the issue/they have money for you if you are against the issue] and you’ll hear from us.

Make sure everyone in your circle is registered to vote by October 4^th in order to be qualified for the November 2^nd general election. Don’t forget about the 17.5 year old young people, now is their time to join the discussion.

“The Future Started Yesterday, and We’re Already Late” (John Legend)

Registered voters sound off. What issues are you most concerned about in your community?

“If You Don’t Vote, You Don’t Count”