The policy that gives state legislators the power to redraw district lines is in need of reform.
The N.C. Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform is leading the push for a more equitable process. It is calling for an independent redistricting commission, which would mitigate accusations and instances of injustice and disenfranchisement.
Currently, legislators have the power to draw district maps in ways they see fit. This gives an unfair advantage to incumbents to draw these lines so that their re-election is essentially guaranteed.
In turn, this dissuades potential competitors from even attempting to run.
Their efforts are futile if the districts are drawn in a way that makes it nearly impossible for challengers to win elections.
In 2012, half of all General Assembly races went uncontested.
For the first time in 100 years, the Republican Party won a majority in the legislature, and the newly elected representatives were given the power to draw their own district lines.
This has brought about accusations that the new districts group African-Americans together in order to allow for more districts with white majorities.
Regardless of the truth of these accusations, this sort of political gamesmanship isn’t uncommon. Fair representation takes a backseat to political expediency.
