Democracy in our Hands: independence in redistricting

Press Advisory: Democracy in our Hands Tour to highlight independence in redistricting reform

Panels to discuss racial equity, power and transparency in North Carolina’s gerrymandered congressional map

DURHAM, N.C. – In a three-stop tour of the state, Democracy North Carolina, Common Cause North Carolina, League of Women Voters of North Carolina and Friends of the Earth will discuss how to integrate values of political independence, transparency and racial equity into redistricting reform proposals.

The panels will feature the plaintiffs in the recent ruling by a three judge panel of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina requiring the state to redraw its congressional districts.

The events will take place on:

Triangle Area — Sept. 4, 2018
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
NCCU Albert L. Turner Law School — Great Hall
640 Nelson St., Durham, NC

Fayetteville — Sept. 5, 2018
9:30 a.m to 3 p.m
Stryker Golf Course
1219 Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake, NC

Asheville — Sept. 6, 2018
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m
Ambrose West
312 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC

The agenda for all three events will be as follows:

9:30-10:00 AM: Breakfast and registration
10-10:30 AM: Welcome and opening session
10:30-11:00 AM: Redistricting 101
11:00 AM-12:00 PM: Political independence: How do we achieve independence from partisan politics in redistricting?
12-12:45 PM: Lunch (provided on site)
12:45-1:45 PM: Lifting the curtain: What does transparency in redistricting look like? How can we ensure the community is informed and involved in drawing district lines?
1:45-2:45 PM: Defining ourselves for equity: How do we ensure equitable outcomes in redistricting reform? What does it look like when we define our communities for ourselves?
2:45-3:00 PM: Closing and next steps

Communications contacts:

Bryan Warner, Common Cause NC, [email protected]
Jen Jones, Democracy NC, [email protected]
Mary Parry, NC League of Women Voters, (919) 523-7761, [email protected]
Patrick Davis, Friends of the Earth, (202) 222-0744, [email protected]

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