By NISIE
The word Gerrymandering can be confusing, and the concept is even more so to those unfamiliar with unethical concepts that harm their communities. However, the practice of Gerrymandering is becoming increasingly frequent. But what is it exactly? First, let’s review the practice of redistricting.
After the Senate passed the Voting Rights Act of 1960, many different rules were put into place to protect the rights of all voters, no matter their background. Redistricting is one of these rules and happens every 10 years. Redistricting is a way to make sure voters are fairly represented by their districts. The new districts should accurately reflect population changes and racial diversity when done without malice. This practice is used by legislators to fairly allocate representation in Congress and state legislatures, making it crucial to a fair outcome in an election.
But we aren’t in the progressive 1960s anymore; in this modern era of American government, our constitution is being twisted and distorted by Republican politicians and judges like Judge O Hare, who want to forget about progression and the constitution altogether. Enter the concept of Gerrymandering. This is when elected officials like Judge O Hare and County Commissioner Manny Ramirez manipulate the rule of law by redrawing districts that would benefit republican officials but would take away the voice of minorities in Tarrant County. Some are beginning to believe Judge O Hare is bad for minority voters and for Tarrant County; those nay-sayers may not be far off.
But Tarrant County Commissioner, Alisa Simmons is taking a stand against Judge O Hares attempt at racial gerrymandering. In a press release she doesn’t mince words expressing her concern over an, “illegal power grab by Judge O Hare and other extremist county leaders”. The Full statement is available below.
County Commissioner Simmons is not alone in her fight against Judge O Hares attempt at racial gerrymandering. Chairwoman Crystal Gayden has joined the ranks in the fight against tyranny right here in Tarrant County Texas. She released a call to action to Tarrant County Voters and argued the rules of redistricting, “Redistricting traditionally follows the decennial census, not an arbitrary five-year timeline. The timing of this effort makes its intent clear: to manipulate voter representation for political gain. This is not about fair governance-it is an attempt to silence the voices of Tarrant County residents.” Read the full Call- To – Action below.
Judge O Hare and County Commissioner Manny Ramirez have made a clear stand against fair elections and the voting rights act of 1960 by circumventing the rules for redistricting and replacing them with self-serving policies of their own. Judge O Hare are not only taking a stand against fair elections, but he is also taking a stand against the Latino community.
Yestraday, April 2nd Judge O Hare and Commissioner Matt Krause, both Republicans, voted against a proclamation honoring the 25th anniversary of the Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta Committee of Tarrant County. The proclamation still passed with a 3-2 vote. But some voters believe Commissioner Manny Ramirez wants to have his cake and eat it too by voting yes for the Cesar Chavez and Dolres Huerta Committee proclamation, while at the same time actively hindering the Latino community by voting in favor of retaining Public Interest Legal Foundation to examine redistricting county precincts. The Public Interest Legal foundation is notorious for filing lawsuits to suppress Latino and black voters. If Manny Ramirez is in the business of suppressing Latino votes than who does he represent exactly?