The Law and Government Institute hosted a conversation about redistricting reform. Redistricting reform addresses the issue of gerrymandering (when the political party in power draws voting districts to their advantage.) The speakers addressed legal questions about gerrymandering, including discussion of several ongoing lawsuits challenging the practice, and alternative methods to draw districts.
John Capowski, Emeritus Professor of Law at Widener Law Commonwealth, spoke about his experiences as a plaintiff in a class action lawsuit challenging the process used to draw Pennsylvania’s U.S. congressional districts. Dr. Wes Leckrone, Associate Professor of Political Science at Widener University, explored political science research on redistricting reform and alternative primary voting systems. Widener Law Commonwealth Professor of Law Michael Dimino discussed legal issues involved in a gerrymandering case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. Mimi McKenzie, Legal Director of the Philadelphia-based Public Interest Law Center, explained some of the legal issues involved in challenges to Pennsylvania’s current redistricting process. Also, Carol Kuniholm, Chair, Fair Districts PA, explained negative repercussions of gerrymandering and her organization’s grass roots efforts to reform redistricting in Pennsylvania.
“Redistricting reform is a pressing issue in Pennsylvania. The Law and Government Institute wants to thank these speakers for taking the time to educate our law school and the greater legal community about these ongoing legal and policy challenges,” said Professor Jill Family, Director of the Law and Government Institute.
