Last week, many of my colleagues and I thought the two-year session would be ending next Thursday, May 14th. Now, it appears we could/may/might/will come back to debate re-disricting and I’d like your thoughts. Email me (or comment below) at NathanBallentine@schouse.gov because I have my thoughts; but want to hear YOURS! As always, please put the word CONSTITUENT in the subject line of your email so I can be sure I read YOUR email over others I may receive from around the state.
My constituents matter most!
Historically, maps are revisited every 10 years, after the US Census takes place. I’ve read somewhere that SC has done it that way for more than 100 years. I get it. People move in, people move out, people move around. Makes sense to have some sort of guideline on when/how to be sure to best represent our state in the US Congress.
Should/if/when we come back and debate begins on the House floor, I’d like to know your thoughts.
To see the new proposed Congressional Map, you can click here.
I’ve got many questions, concerns and opinions on this process. Please share yours with me as I pray for wisdom to do what is best for our community and state.
How did we get here? A few links for those interested:
Supreme Court limits Voting Rights Act
The Aftermath of Callais
Trump’s redistricting push could cost Republicans more than it gains
SC lawmakers take step toward delaying Congressional primaries
Will this eliminate the state’s lone Democratic US congressional district, which would likely reduce Black voting influence? Is the goal to dilute minority voting strength and undermine fair representation.
Our electoral maps should reflect the principle that every vote deserves equal weight and that representatives should be chosen by the people, not by politicians drawing district lines to predetermine outcomes.
The current map is unconstitutional. To proceed with another election using the current map is tantamount to creating a constitutional crisis. Yes, redistrict.
The Supreme Court did not rule that South Carolina’s current map is unconstitutional, nor did it rule that states are required to redraw their districts immediately. That simply was not the question before the Court in the recent VRA ruling.
People can absolutely argue for or against redistricting after the decision, but presenting it as though SCOTUS declared the current map unconstitutional is not what the Court actually held.
With 4 out of 10 South Carolinians voting Democrat in the last election, fair representation would dictate 3 of the 7 congressional districts be represented by a Democrat and not the 0 that is being gerrymandered now. This is why the Voting Rights Act and constitutional protections needed to come into play back in 1965.
As a constituent in your district, the ruling by The Supreme Court should be followed. No districts should be drawn based upon race. I therefore agree with the proposed new map.
Respectfully,
Roger Jenkinson
Representative Ballentine,
As a constituent, I support moving forward with congressional redistricting and believe the Supreme Court’s ruling should be followed. Districts should not be drawn primarily based on race, and the state has a responsibility to ensure our maps comply with constitutional standards.
At the same time, I believe the redistricting process should remain transparent, fair, and focused on equal representation for all South Carolinians. Electoral maps should reflect the principle that every vote deserves equal weight and that representatives are ultimately chosen by the people.
I support efforts to create lawful and balanced districts that uphold public confidence in our elections and representation.
Thank you for your leadership and service to our state.
Redistrict now! Obey the law! Lawmakers must get back to true State and Federal Constitutional roots/values to properly represent legal citizens Do the harder right instead of the easier wrong!
Yes, do it
I am NOT in favor of the redistricting plan. Historically, this is done every 10 years after the census. Seems to me that the issue is purely an attempt by Trump & his acolytes to keep control of Congress. Just because other states are doing it is not jermaine. It is a tool for political manipulation, dilutes minority participation, creates political instability, exacerbates political polarization, partisan bias, and voter confusion. Respectfully request that you vote no on this issue.
Constituent – leave the districts as they are for now
The district boundaries should not be changed just to favor one political party over another. They should be changed when the population in one district is no longer close to being balanced with the others. No district should have more weight than any other district.