What to Know & How to Get Involved
What is redistricting and why does it matter?
Every 10 years after the census, states redraw voting districts to reflect population changes. These districts play a big part in election outcomes, with the potential to shift the partisan balance in Congress, state legislatures, and local governing bodies (city council, county commission, school board).
When did Kansas last redraw our maps?
After the 2020 census, the KS Legislature redrew maps for our state House and Senate districts, as well as our Congressional map. The maps were drawn and approved by our state legislators -- the very people who have an interest in securing their political future by drawing districts that create a favorable partisan outcome.
The Congressional map saw the greatest shift in boundaries, with Lawrence being moved into the 1st Congressional District which covers the largest land mass and rural part of the state. Wyandotte County was also split between the 2nd and 3rd districts. Johnson County was kept whole in the 3rd Congressional District, with Sen President Ty Masterson publicly committing to keeping the county together. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids won her last two elections in the new 3rd Congressional District by over 10 pts each time.
Why is redrawing maps now bad for Kansans?
President Trump has called on states to redraw Congressional maps in order to secure more Republican representation in D.C. Kansas is just one of the most recently announced states considering redrawing districts outside of the typical 10 year cycle. With three Republican members of Congress (Rep Mann, Rep Schmidt, and Rep Estes) and 1 Democrat (Rep. Davids), this would put just one of Kansas' four seats on Trump's target list - Congressional District 3 making up Johnson, Miami, Franklin, and Anderson counties.
Redrawing the Kansas Congressional map now serves no purpose beyond changing the makeup of our federal delegation along partisan lines on the request of President Trump.
What can I do?
Take Action. The KS Fair Maps Coalition is closely monitoring the redistricting process. Keep an eye out for updates and action alerts sent via email. Not on our email list? Subscribe here.
