Our democracy needs you! On Sept. 30, at 6 p.m., at St Anselm’s college, the committee on redistricting will be holding a forum to receive input and testimony from residents of Hillsborough County. I’m hoping you will clear your calendar and plan on attending this important session.

The redistricting committee has the task of redrawing the electoral maps (voting districts) for the county, congressional districts, NH legislative districts, and the powerful executive council, based on the most recent population data from the 2020 US census. This decision and map drawing will remain in place for the next 10 years. Important? You bet.

In the past, in many states and situations, these districts have been gerrymandered, or designed so that ultimately the politicians are picking the voters, rather than the reverse, the way it should be. NH residents want fairness and transparency in this process. For the past two legislative sessions, the NH lawmakers, with large bipartisan support have passed bills that asked for an independent nonpartisan body to draw these maps. They were vetoed TWICE by Gov. Sununu.

At town meetings throughout the state, 74 towns have passed resolutions calling for fair redistricting. Regardless of party, NH citizens want fair play.

You have a chance to speak up and speak out on Sept. 30. Please attend and bring your neighbor. If you choose not to speak, or attend, you can submit written testimony. In fact, just being there to listen, will both keep you informed and show the committee this is a process that we care deeply about.

Getting out to vote on election days matter. But making sure your vote COUNTS by being cast in a fair, nonpartisan district is critical. This is your chance for your voice to be heard, to impact a decision that will effect all of us for the next 10 years.

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