Pennsylvania has managed to become a reflection of the struggle to make diversity visible in the U.S. 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 The event was attended by activists whose organizations have been the basis 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 mapping conversations 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 build "what a democracy that reflects all of us really looks like."
Salewa Ogunmefun, executive director of Pennsylvania VoiceHe commented that, from his perspective, "Pennsylvania has the best system of electoral redistricting," which has been achieved thanks to the commission's effort to build a relationship with the legislature so that they could see communities as people who should be heard in decision making.
He also stressed the importance of educating the members of the communities on the subject "so that they can make the best decisions they need to have the best information".
Finally, he indicated that Pennsylvania Voice also seeks to make voting simpler and create a democracy that encourages the participation of every eligible vote. "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 Membership organization, noted that one of the most important lessons learned 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 community member, regardless of their color or language.
Maria pointed out the efforts to achieve a 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, since there are cases in which they have decided not to vote because they do not understand the process.
In her opportunity, Kris Henderson, executive director of 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 jail", however, these bills are stalled, so the redistricting process could be the way to make them a reality.
Finally, he noted that they want to make sure that voters understand the process, that the maps are better and that people are able to vote.
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