Republican lawmakers in Indiana have been asked by the Trump Administration to redraw the state’s congressional map, according to multiple sources familiar with the plans.
The White House and GOP allies have been exploring redistricting Indiana’s map as part of their broad push to create more Republican seats across the country.
Indiana Republicans control seven of the state’s nine congressional seats. Republicans believe they could easily redraw Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-Ind.) out of his northwestern district. (
Your own words are best, but here are some suggested scripts to get you started:
“I am outraged that Republicans would resort to redrawing maps to squeeze out the last two Democratic representatives in Indiana. If Republicans want more representatives in Congress, they should promote and enact policies and values that appeal to voters. In gerrymandered districts, elected officials choose their voters. Hoosiers must be allowed to choose who represents them in government. Let the voters decide who represents them! Do not even consider redrawing Indiana’s already heavily gerrymandered maps. Redistricting is a march to authoritarianism.”
Here’s a sample script from LWV—
I am a concerned constituent. I am strongly opposed to any effort to redraw voting maps in Indiana outside of the regular redistricting cycle. Mid-cycle redistricting is more about political power than fairness to voters.
Redistricting is intended to reflect population changes captured in the U.S. Census, a process that occurs once every ten years. Conducting it in between those periods breaks trust with communities and undermines the promise that every person’s voice matters equally.
People, not politicians, should choose their representatives. When maps are redrawn for partisan gain, people lose their ability to hold leaders accountable. In many cases, mid-cycle redistricting has also been used to weaken the political power of communities of color, undermining hard-won protections against racial discrimination in voting and silences underrepresented voices. It also runs counter to the principles of equal representation guaranteed by our democracy.
Fair maps should be created in a process that is transparent, community-driven, and consistent. Stability matters. When elected officials change the rules mid game, it is the public who loses representation and confidence in the system.
I urge you and your colleagues to reject any proposal for mid-cycle redistricting. Redistricting should serve the people, not politicians.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this urgent matter.
Another sample message:
I am a concerned constituent. I am strongly opposed to any effort to redraw voting maps in Indiana outside of the regular redistricting cycle. Redrawing maps to make each district have more republican than democratic voters is obviously a political and unfair maneuver. I live in District 1. Redrawing that map to include voters that do not live in NW Indiana will dilute the votes of Hoosiers in our district from having representation that reflects the unique needs of our district. You know that! This is such a partisan move. You represent NW Indiana and as such you need to protect the votes of all of your constituents. If you are concerned that a republican must occupy all seats in Congress, then work to field a viable candidate that is more electable.
Redrawing districts is an obvious message to voters that our vote does not and never will count. Your message to your constituents is, “Don’t bother voting.” . Indiana already has a huge voter turnout problem Either you support democratic representation, or you do not. Every person’s voice should count, even those who vote against your party. That is the political system you have been a part of until now. Protect Hoosier values of honesty and fairness. Protect the rights of all of your constituents. Vote against any mid-cycle redistricting.
Republican lawmakers will begin meeting next week, Dec. 1, to redraw the congressional maps. They need to continue hearing from you. Make it clear that Hoosiers do not want to redraw maps. Say no to redistricting! Call today:
Contact Governor Braun: 317-232-4567; Email: https://in.accessgov.com/gov/Forms/Page/gov/share-an-opinion/1
Contact your state representative and senator: https://iga.in.gov/information/find-legislators
Speaker Huston: Phone: 317-232-9677; Senator Bray: Phone: 317-232-9400
We MUST let all of our elected officials know what we think! Call now!
Read about redistricting and gerrymandering here: https://www.lwv.org/voting-rights/redistricting (League of Women Voters) and from Capital B Gary here.
