State and Local Politics

Four years ago, we visited the subject of gerrymandering, or the manipulation of a legislative constituency to favor one party, namely the GOP, which has been successful in gerrymandering legislative districts for at least three decades. Here we revisit the subject after the 2020 Census and subsequent redistricting, which the Constitution dictates. And it is not good news.

Manipulating the geographical boundaries of electoral districts—known as “Gerrymandering” --is as old as the nation itself. It actually predates the name. As Governor of Virginia, “give me liberty or give me death” Patrick Henry persuaded the new Congress to redraw the 5th Congressional District in order to see that his political enemy James Madison wasn’t elected President (Madison won anyway). It’s been happening ever since. But the last ten years have seen unprecedented redistricting to favor one political party, namely the GOP.

Your vote should count, but in 2010 the Nashville legislature made changes to our voting districts which basically gave Republicans more say in government. Why? Nashville doesn't want Democrats to have a voice in state government which in fact limits what we can do locally. So, it is important to get progressive leaders elected so we can redistrict the state in 2020.