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North Carolina, once described as “long notorious for (its) outrageous reapportionment,” has been at the heart of redistricting controversies for decades. Dr. Michael Bitzer’s new book, Redistricting and Gerrymandering in North Carolina: Battlelines in the Tar Heel State, provides new insights into the state’s struggles with redistricting.  

Join us for a historical and contemporary overview of the redistricting process in a conversation between Dr. Michael Bitzer and Harry Taylor. Ideas from Bitzer’s new book will give us a better sense of the dynamics facing the nation as it confronts the 2020 Census and the subsequent redistricting efforts. 

Find a copy of Dr. Bitzer’s book here: https://bit.ly/3Ba1mi0

 Meet the Panelists:

Dr. J. Michael Bitzer is a professor of politics and history at Catawba College, where he teaches a number of courses in the fields of American politics, public administration & policy, and law. Along with his teaching responsibilities, he serves as a political analyst for several media sources and as pre-law advisor. Dr. Bitzer also blogs about North Carolina politics at www.OldNorthStatePolitics.com.

He has conducted research in Southern politics (focusing on South Carolina and North Carolina politics and elections), U.S. campaigns and elections, state politics, the bureaucracy, and civil rights in the American South. Most recently he published two books on North Carolina politics: “The New Politics of the Old South” and “The Future Ain’t What It Used to Be: The 2016 Presidential Election in the South,” both co-authored with Dr. Charles Prysby of UNC-Greensboro.

Harry Taylor is a commercial real estate broker, and long-time environmental and community activist. In 2008 he was the Democrat candidate for U.S. Congress in District 9. Frustrated with running for political office in a severely gerrymandered district, he began speaking publicly about redistricting reform in early 2009. In 2017, Harry launched the Muppet-inspired initiative Flush Gerrymander. He is a musician, and is active with Common Cause, Democracy North Carolina, and the League of Women Voters. 

“Often, redistricting in North Carolina has been done in a top down way. Legislators have controlled the process, drawing districts for partisan advantage and splitting neighborhoods and communities across the state. 

Join us to learn how you can push back. the League of Women Voters of Catawba Valley and Common Cause NC invites residents to join a virtual workshop for Hickory and the surrounding area .

 We’ll take a closer look at how Hickory, Catawba County, and the surrounding area have been affected by current and previous district maps. We’ll also discuss how communities are affected when districts split them apart. Moreover, we’ll update you with the latest status of the redistricting process this year and opportunities to get involved and ensure your voice is heard.

Join us on Wednesday, September 22 at 6 PM for a conversation that is all about making democracy better and ensuring a better future for our community and state.”

Join us as we hear from retired former NC Supreme Court Justice, Judge Robert Orr on redistricting in NC and how the constitution protects us.

Judge Orr’s unique redistricting perspective comes from having served eight years on the NC Court of Appeals and ten years as a Justice on the North Carolina Supreme Court, retiring in 2004.  Judge Orr grew up in Hendersonville, NC and is a UNC graduate.  Read Justice Orr’s Bio here

The event is free and open to the public. Because of limited seating capacity at Patrick Beaver, attendees are asked to register for their free “tickets.”

Our website has additional information around the history of redistricting and why Fair Districts are critical to our democracy, click here.

This is what we have been waiting for an opportunity to have our voice heard for Fair Districts in NC.

The first of only 10 public hearings currently planned in NC. Join us to show that North Carolinians care about having districts fairly drawn in a transparent process. Want to car pool?

Senator Warren Daniel will be presiding.

Joint public hearing for public comments - House Redistricting Committee and Senate Redistricting and Elections Committee

You can sign up to speak at the meeting but you can also do it in advance: https://www.ncleg.gov/requesttospeak/45 Note that the online sign up closes at 2PM on the day of the hearing. Each speaker will have 2 minutes to have their voice heard.

Can’t make it in person remember you can put your comments on line at

https://www.ncleg.gov/requestforcomments/38

Prepare for your chance to have your voice heard on Fair Districts. The first hearing is Wednesday September 8th in Caldwell county here is your chance to get some last minute tips before the public hearing.

The 2021 redistricting cycle has begun.

The next 10 years of representation and resources for our communities is on the line. It’s time to make sure our voices (and demands) are heard in the drawing of our local municipal, state legislative, and Congressional districts. We’re here to help!

RSVP now for an upcoming #TestimonyTuesdays virtual training in August or September.

At each hour-long Zoom®️ webinar event, Southern Coalition for Social Justice (SCSJ) and our state partners will provide:

1) The latest on local, state, and Congressional mapmaking in North Carolina;
2) Tips on giving effective and actionable public redistricting testimony; and
3) Expert answers to all of your burning redistricting questions.

#TestimonyTuesdays isn't just an online companion to our in-person #MapOurFuture Tour stops — (happening now through September 30th in a community near you at scsj.org/tour) — these virtual events will also give North Carolinians an even deeper dive into the all-important public feedback needed to make sure our electeds draw the fair voting maps we deserve.

*PLEASE NOTE*: The #TestimonyTuesday events on September 7th and September 14th will include special additions. On Sept. 7th, we will focus on Rowan County immediately following the normal #TestimonyTuesday event, from 7pm-8pm. On Sept. 14th, we will do the same for Wilson and Pitt counties from 7pm-8pm. If you are from those counties and would like to stay on for your hometown presentation, please make sure to sign up for the events on September 7th or 14th. Questions? Contact us at communications@scsj.org.

TimeYou can choose to attend one or more of the following sessions.
Sep 7, 2021 06:00 PM
Sep 14, 2021 06:00 PM
Sep 21, 2021 06:00 PM
Sep 28, 2021 06:00 PM
Time shows in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Did you know that not only is Catawba County split between two congressional districts but Hickory is as well?

Hear from our uniquely qualifed panel of speakers on all things Redistricting, and how you can make an impact.

Panelists include:

• Phyllis Demko LWVNC State Board Member Chair of Redistricting Action Team

• Dr. T Anthony Spearman NC NAACP President

• Sailor Jones, Communications Director, Southern Coalition for Social Justice,

• Tyler Daye, Redistricting Specialist, Common Cause

Space is limited register HERE

Curious about congressional districts?

Yes Hickory is split between two congressional districts. Do you live along the line? Your neighbor may be in District 5 while you are in District 10.

Take this self driving tour of the district have an eye out for the yard signs along the way. Warning it is not a straight path nor along a single road.

Take a selfie (safety first please!) and share it with us #LWVCatawba, #FairMaps

Curious about congressional districts?

Yes Hickory is split between two congressional districts. Do you live along the line? Your neighbor may be in District 5 while you are in District 10.

Take this self driving tour of the district have an eye out for the yard signs along the way. Warning it is not a straight path nor along a single road.

Take a selfie (safety first please!) and share it with us #LWVCatawba, #FairMaps

Curious about congressional districts?

Yes Hickory is split between two congressional districts. Do you live along the line? Your neighbor may be in District 5 while you are in District 10.

Take this self driving tour of the district have an eye out for the yard signs along the way. Warning it is not a straight path nor along a single road.

Take a selfie (safety first please!) and share it with us #LWVCatawba, #FairMaps

Curious about congressional districts?

Yes Hickory is split between two congressional districts. Do you live along the line? Your neighbor may be in District 5 while you are in District 10.

Take this self driving tour of the district have an eye out for the yard signs along the way. Warning it is not a straight path nor along a single road.

Take a selfie (safety first please!) and share it with us #LWVCatawba, #FairMaps

Curious about congressional districts?

Yes Hickory is split between two congressional districts. Do you live along the line? Your neighbor may be in District 5 while you are in District 10.

Take this self driving tour of the district have an eye out for the yard signs along the way. Warning it is not a straight path nor along a single road.

Take a selfie (safety first please!) and share it with us #LWVCatawba, #FairMaps