Dems Call For Removing Politicians From Redistricting Decisions

Wisconsin lawmakers would have less power to draw their own legislative districts under a plan reintroduced by Democrats at the state Capitol.

When Republicans came into power after the last census, they redrew the state’s legislative map to give themselves a political advantage for the next decade. State Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, said it’s made races for the Legislature uncompetitive, and he said that has consequences.

“It has corrupted our elections and state policy, as the governor and legislative Republicans have pursued an agenda that is far outside of the mainstream with no fear of being held accountable at the ballot box,” said Hansen.

The Democratic plan would have the nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau draw maps after the next census.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos is opposed to the changes. Spokeswoman Kit Beyer said Vos believes elected officials should continue to make these decisions, “not unelected, unaccountable boards.”