REDRAW THE LINES: The Redistricting Game

The Redistricting Game

Redistricting will occur after the 2010 census.

The Pennsylvania General Assembly has until June 23 to pass a bill calling for a fair, nonpartisan, nonpolitical system to by which legislative districts are drawn. If it does not act, districts will again be created by politicians, for politicians, to ensure “safe” seats for the incumbent party — gerrymandering — for at least the next decade.

This gives caucus leaders, who draw the lines, enormous power over rank-and-file legislators and takes away one of the most important aspects of self-government: competitive elections.

The General Assembly will not act on a fair redistricting procedure unless voters demand it.

TO REGISTER YOUR CONCERN, CONTACT:

• Joseph B. Scarnati III, R-Jefferson County, State Senate president pro tempore;

Phone: 717-787-7084

jscarnati@pasen.gov

• Dominic Pileggi, R-Delaware County, state Senate majority leader

Phone: 717-787-4712

dpileggi@pasen.gov

• Robert J. Mellow, D-Lackawanna County, state Senate minority leader

Phone: 717-787-6481

mellow@pasenate.gov

• Dennis M. O’Brien, R-Philadelphia, speaker of the House;

Phone: 717-787-4610

www.repobrien.com

• H. William DeWeese, D-Greene County, House majority leader,

Phone: 717-783-3797

www.pahouse.com/deweese

• Samuel H. Smith, R-Jefferson County, House minority leader,

Phone: 717-787-3845

www.samsmithpahouse.com