Redistricting of congressional and legislative districts is one of the most fundamental determinants of the health of our democracy. It is also one of least understood and appreciated by voters and some legislators. As has been the case for the last 60 years, Minnesota had divided government during the most recent redistricting cycle, resulting in the state courts drawing new district maps. Outside of Minnesota, states with independent citizen commissions (Arizona, California, Colorado and Michigan) had redistricting efforts that were least contentious and least influenced by partisan manipulation.

LWVMN and Common Cause MN have been working together to develop a congressional and legislative redistricting reform bill to be considered in the next legislative session. In addition, LWVMN is working on a separate bill on local redistricting changes. In this presentation, Paul Huffman (LWVMN Election and Redistricting Policy Coordinator) will briefly review the principles and core aspects of redistricting; provide an overview of the 2022 redistricting results both in Minnesota and nationally; and will discuss how the redistricting process in Minnesota can and should be changed to reflect the interests of the people – voters – rather than the interests of the political parties. The presentation will review key elements of proposed redistricting bills and how they address both Minnesota’s needs in light of the experience from other states.