JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Now that 2020 census numbers are in, groups in Wyoming are working to help voters keep an eye on lawmakers as they draw new voting-district maps.
New maps are expected to impact whether Wyoming expands Medicaid, and how the state makes up for lost fossil-fuel revenues.
Marguerite Herman, state lobbyist for the League of Women Voters of Wyoming, said her group will be on the lookout for any signs of gerrymandering, a tactic used by majority parties to carve out districts in order to tilt election outcomes in their favor.
“I think they will do a good job, I have confidence,” Herman stated. “I think it will be good to watch them, and if they veer to drawing lines that are not constructive, the League and other groups will stand up and say ‘that’s not right,’ and inform people.”
This Thursday, Herman will join the minority caucus chairman, Rep. Mike Yin, D-Jackson, for a virtual town hall on redistricting basics, and how to provide critical feedback.
Herman also expects a debate about returning to multi-member districts, in part because of data showing those districts historically saw more women and people with diverse economic backgrounds representing voters.
“And the thought is perhaps going to multi-member districts, that we might find more people with more diverse backgrounds elected to our Legislature, which is pretty homogenous right now,” Herman contended.
At the local level, through school board elections, maps also can impact how public schools operate.
Herman noted Wyoming communities could have just two months to join the process, and chime in with any concerns, once the Legislature presents its redistricting bill.
“To read it, understand it, follow it, have input. Follow the changes that are made in reaction to the input. And during the Legislature, watch that process and react to that,” Herman outlined. “And make sure whatever comes out when they adjourn in March is good for them.”
