The Wisconsin Supreme Court has recently overturned legislative maps set in place by the state’s Republican-led legislature. This action marks a major milestone in Wisconsin’s history, as the state’s highest court slams the door on one of the most gerrymandered maps in US history.
The ruling, which was pushed forward by a group of Democrats challenging the legality of the map, invalidates the maps and calls for the state to revamp its redistricting process. This move could open the door to gerrymandering reform in Wisconsin, bringing about more fair and equitable representation into state politics.
At issue in the challenge was the fact that the map was designed in a way that favored Republican candidates. The maps were drawn in 2011 and were widely considered by critics to be an example of extreme gerrymandering, with dramatic shifts in district configuration that ensured that even the most competitive elections would naturally lean in favor of the GOP.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ruling also goes further, calling into question the motives of those who designed the map and condemning the process of gerrymandering as a whole. The ruling explains that partisan gerrymandering is not only unconstitutional, but also an unfair way of disenfranchising people who disagree with the majority party in power.
This landmark ruling could be a sign of things to come throughout the US, as more states are pushing back against unfair and undemocratic practices in redistricting. With Wisconsin setting an example of how to address gerrymandering through its state Supreme Court, others may soon follow suit and put an end to this controversial practice.
