Less Than 30 Days Until the Anticipated Release of Census Redistricting Data

For Immediate Release:
July 19, 2021

Contact:
Margaret Hynds
hynds@redistrictingaction.org

Less Than 30 Days Until the Anticipated Release of Census Redistricting Data 

Washington, DC— Saturday marked just 30 days until the U.S. Census Bureau releases demographic statistics that will be used by states to draw new maps for their redistricting processes. The new data from the 2020 Census will begin the national map drawing and redistricting process in earnest and more than 80% of states are expected to have completed their maps by the end of 2021. 

“The fast-approaching August 16 deadline only heightens the need to ban partisan gerrymandering with the passage of the For The People Act,” said Kelly Ward Burton, All On The Line President. “A national ban on partisan gerrymandering would create additional competitive seats in Congress, which in turn leads to more representatives who are responsive to the will of the voters. If you care about health care, preventing gun violence, or climate change, you need to care about redistricting.”

“The same politicians who have spent the first half of the year trying to suppress voting rights, can’t be trusted to draw fair maps during the second half of the year,”  continued Ward Burton.  “All On The Line is helping train thousands of Americans to take part in the redistricting process in their state and demand fair maps that protect diverse communities from having their votes diluted. We will continue our work to preserve communities of interest so that school districts, police departments and other foundations of civic life are preserved whenever possible.” 

Since 2011, the balance of power in redistricting has shifted sharply away from Republicans and towards the American people.  A decade ago, Republicans controlled redistricting for half (49%) of the seats in Congress. In 2012, despite losing the national congressional vote by more than 1.5 million votes, Republicans increased their majority to 33 seats. Heading into the 2021 redistricting cycle, more seats are located in states with independent commissions or other reform measures than either political party.  

 In places where Republicans still control the redistricting process through state legislatures, they have made their intentions clear introducing 389 bills to undermine voting rights and rig future elections to keep themselves in power. Nearly two dozen have already been enacted and 60 more have passed at least one legislative chamber, according to the Brennan Centers for Justice. 

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