Guest Blogger: Kelsey Hanson

In class we have discussed and viewed the congressional district lines of Minnesota. After doing some research, I have found that if the governor and the legislature cannot agree on district lines, they will be drawn by the judicial branch. Many states have avoided this issue by having an independent redistricting commission, Minnesota not being one of the 12 states which have done so. In the last 4 redistricting session 3 of the times we have need the judicial branch to step in and it appears that it will now be 4 out of 5. States such as California, Arizona, and Washington all have found independent redistricting commissioning effective and just.
Some organizations such as, Draw The Line, have tried to give the general population a larger say by gathering opinions and hosting open debates. This group has republicans, democrats, and independents strive to get to best and most truthful results. The opinions and maps given to the 5-judge panel by organizations can substantially help, while allowing people to exercise their democratic rights. By having a small group of all parties, that are willing to compromise and not looking to gain votes themselves, the best redistricting is created. When it’s purely bipartisan the two sides will always be polar opposite. Another group was created by the GOP called Minnesotans of Fair Redistricting was formed to persuade the court with the help of prominent legal figures. First though, these citizens are educated on the purpose and process of drawing the legislator/ congressional lines. In this way, the people have more say in this process, hopefully avoiding uneven districts and gerrymandering. With the deadline of February 21 coming faster than the judges may expect, hopefully the opinions and maps drawn by the citizens can provide the state with the crown option.