Pennsylvania has become a mirror of the fight to make diversity visible in the US despite intense partisan politics bent on restricting voter access, resulting in the creation of maps that reflect the state's growing diversity.
This was stated by experts in the framework of a session organized by Ethnic Media Services which was attended by activists whose organizations have been the foundation for the history of redistricting in Pennsylvania.
They agreed that despite the best efforts of many organizations, African-American, Latino and Asian communities were systematically excluded from conversations about the drawing of maps across the country.
In the words of one of the activists present at the panel, what is happening in Pennsylvania is an effort by a multiracial coalition of organizations that have managed to construct "what a democracy that reflects all of us really looks like."
Salewa Ogunmefun, executive director of Pennsylvania Voice, commented that from his perspective, "Pennsylvania has the best system of electoral redistribution," which has been achieved thanks to the efforts of the commission to generate a relationship with the legislature, so that they could see the communities as people who should be listened to in decision-making.
He also stressed the importance of educating community members on the subject: "In order for them to make the best decisions, they need to have the best information."
Finally, she said that Pennsylvania Voice also seeks to make voting easier and create a democracy that encourages the participation of each eligible voter. "We are in a historic moment, it is the largest social movement in the history of the United States and that gives us the opportunity to create deeper connections and relationships to allow everyone to be part of the process."
For her part, María del Carmen Gutiérrez, director of the organization Membership, pointed out that one of the most important lessons about the redistricting process has been that “we have the opportunity and the ability to participate in all processes related to our communities to make our voices clear,” making sure not to exclude any member of the community, regardless of their color or language.
Maria highlighted efforts to achieve better democracy for all and stressed the importance of educating participants about the right to ask for help in their language throughout the electoral process, as there are cases in which they have decided not to vote because they do not understand the process.
Kris Henderson, executive director of the Amistad Law Project, commented that "there have been many times, laws that for many years could give a second chance to many people who are in prison," however, these bills are stalled, so the redistricting process could be the way to make them a reality.
Finally, he said they want to make sure voters understand the process, that the maps are better and that people can vote.
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