1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to any effort to redraw voting maps in Kansas outside of the regular redistricting cycle. Mid-cycle redistricting is more about political power than fairness to voters. Redistricting is intended to reflect population changes captured in the U.S. Census, a process that occurs once every ten years. Conducting it in between those periods breaks trust with communities and undermines the promise that every person’s voice matters equally. People, not politicians, should choose their representatives. When maps are redrawn for partisan gain, people lose their ability to hold leaders accountable. In many cases, mid-cycle redistricting has also been used to weaken the political power of communities of color, undermining hard-won protections against racial discrimination in voting and silences underrepresented voices. It also runs counter to the principles of equal representation guaranteed by our democracy. Fair maps should be created in a process that is transparent, community-driven, and consistent. Stability matters. When elected officials change the rules mid game, it is the public who loses representation and confidence in the system. I urge you and your colleagues to reject any proposal for mid-cycle redistricting. Redistricting should serve the people, not politicians.