When those in power want to stay in power, they redraw voting lines to their own advantage through gerrymandering (link to gerrymandering explainer video). Unfortunately, North Carolina has become a literal textbook example of gerrymandering. 

Voters are supposed to choose our elected officials, but increasingly our elected officials are choosing their voters. In recent elections for the House of Reps in North Carolina, Republicans received 50% of the vote but won 75% of the seats. In a future election where Democrats gain control of the state legislature, they could very well draw a map where they get 50% of the vote but win 75% of the seats. No matter what side gets shut out, it’s a net negative for our democracy as alienated citizens disengage from their political processes and communities. Gerrymandering reduces the number of competitive races, creating representatives that are less responsive to voters and enabling extreme partisan candidates to win office.

Jacob knows we need a fairer and healthier democracy for North Carolina and across the country. We need to push for Congress to pass legislation requiring every state to draw Congressional district boundaries using independent commissions with non-partisan members and transparent district drawing processes to ensure those in power keep their hands off our elections. Doing so empowers voters and ensures our country creates a democracy built for the future.