While many of my friends were gathered at the State Capitol recently supporting common-sense gun laws everyone wants, I learned of a sneak attack on democracy by Rep. Sarah Anderson, R-Plymouth.
You might wonder how she could manage this. It’s all about redistricting and gerrymandering. For the second year in a row, Anderson has slipped language into a must-pass bill. This year’s vehicle is HF 4016 (changing to HF 4099), a government funding bill. Her powerful position on the House Ways and Means Committee apparently allows her to bypass public hearings.
The language that appeared in the bill omits the critically important incumbency principle that prohibits drawing a district to favor or disfavor an incumbent. That’s not good for democracy.
I had to have a lawyer explain: Subdivision 9, “Data to be Used,” says “nothing in this subdivision prohibits the use of additional data, as determined by the legislature.” This clause opens Minnesota to gerrymandering. There must be explicit language prohibiting the drawing of districts to favor or disfavor a political party, an incumbent or a candidate.
Minnesota has little gerrymandering right now. But slipping inadequate provisions into a must-pass bill could change that. Minnesotans want to choose their representatives, not have it work the other way around.
Last year’s sneaky attempt failed. Shame on Anderson for her encore performance.
Clara McIver, Plymouth
Star Tribune, April 29, 2018