As part of Eastern Kentucky University’s celebration of Constitution Day, the League of Women Voters of Kentucky (LWVKY) will host a program on redistricting on Sept. 16 at EKU’s campus. This event will be in-person at O’Donnell Auditorium, 521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, KY from 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
The LWVKY is hosting a series of Fair Maps Forums/Webinars across the state to share possible maps and seek public input on how they could be better represented. As Kentucky state legislators begin to redraw district boundary lines, the League is encouraging citizens to share their ideas for making the maps. Regardless of ethnicity, zip code or interest, citizens need to be fairly represented in Frankfort and Washington.
“Since this redrawing of boundaries every ten years is so important to the way citizens are represented, it is imperative that the system be fair and open,” said President of LWVKY Fran Wagner. “The League believes that voters should do the electing rather than the other way around. Regardless of the particular political party or interest group, the entire state benefits when redistricting is done fairly.”
LWVKY will be sharing how the boundaries could be drawn more fairly by using the same database system used by the state law makers. Feedback from participants will be used to improve the Leagues proposed maps to show legislators how we as citizens, think districts could better represent our communities.
For more and information and updates visit lwvky.org.
EKU students enrolled in Introduction to American Government and other political science classes will attend the event as part of their study of US Elections and the Electoral College. The Fair Maps Forum will be one of many events EKU hosts in celebration of Constitution Day. The EKU Department of Government will also be handing out pocket US Constitutions at Powell Corner on Friday, September 17th as well as assisting Model High School and EKU students in registering to vote in the upcoming election.
"We are so excited to partner with the League of Women Voters of Kentucky on the important and sometimes confusing issue of reapportionment. We hope the event will empower students with both knowledge and a greater appreciation of our democracy,” said Lynnette Noblitt, department chair and professor of government at EKU.
All attendees must adhere to EKU’s published COVID-19 safety protocols.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. As a nonpartisan body, the League takes action on issues but does not support or oppose candidates or parties. The League supports diversity, equity and inclusion in membership and programming.