Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around, according to a voter education group. This seems to be the rally cry of the League of Women’s Voters of South Carolina, whose local members held an information meeting last Thursday at the Hartsville Memorial Library. The meeting went over the age-old problem of gerrymandering, where elected officials attempt to keep voting districts favorable to one side of party affiliation or the other. “Representative of both major political parties seek partisan advantage from gerrymandering,” said information from the meeting. “This is not a problem associated with one or another political party. Incumbent protection has also shaped South Carolina’s districts.”
Dyan Cohen of the Darlington County chapter feels the state house should amend the process.
“The League of Women Voters state and local goal for fair redistricting procedures would be for the General Assembly to create an independent commission that will use appropriate criteria following the census to redraw district lines,” she said. “As partisans, both political parties will tend to represent their preferences when districts are redrawn reflecting census changes.” The League supports competitive elections, voters being satisfied their votes count, which will help restore trust in government.”
Full Article: Voters’ group getting head start on redistricting | Hartsville Messenger | scnow.com.