1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent push to redistrict in many states, and conduct an off-season census nationwide. These actions are without precedent and represent a blatant, transparent effort to undermine the integrity of our electoral system. They pose a serious threat to the fairness of future elections and to the fundamental principles of democracy. Redistricting, when done fairly, should be based on accurate, up-to-date population data. The proposed off-season census undermines this process by rushing data collection outside the regular census schedule, which is specifically designed to reflect population changes every ten years. Such a hasty and uncoordinated effort is prone to inaccuracies and biases that will disproportionately impact communities already at a disadvantage. By altering the census timeline, there is an increased risk of voter suppression, unequal representation, and the further entrenchment of partisan gerrymandering. Moreover, redistricting should prioritize fairness, competitiveness, and the creation of districts that reflect the true demographic makeup of our nation. However, this push for an off-season census and subsequent redistricting seems designed to achieve the exact opposite: a partisan power grab that will distort election outcomes in favor of a specific political agenda. Gerrymandering, where districts are manipulated to favor one party over another, is one of the greatest threats to a free and fair democracy, and these proposals will only make it worse. It is critical that redistricting be guided by transparency, non-partisan oversight, and the best interests of the people, not political expediency. The use of an off-season census and rushed redistricting votes in states like Texas and Florida to achieve these ends would be a direct attack on the principles of equal representation that have been the bedrock of our democratic system for over two centuries. I urge you to stand against any effort to conduct a rushed, off-season census or to manipulate redistricting for partisan gain. Our country deserves fair elections, and the integrity of the voting process must be preserved for future generations. Thank you for your attention to this crucial issue. I hope you will act in the interest of all Americans, not just a select few.