Democracy thrives when citizens are engaged. In a healthy democracy elections are competitive and voter turnout is high. An apathetic citizenry is the prelude to despotism and decay.

When voting districts are skewed to favor one party over another, election outcomes become foregone conclusions. Voters feel their vote doesn’t matter and lose interest. Turnout declines allowing extreme ideological fringes to defeat mainstream candidates. This hurts both political parties. Moderate voters stay home, apathy abounds, radicals rule, and everyone loses.

The best way to preserve our strong democracy and free country is to maintain a vibrant two-party system. This requires fair, competitive voting districts.

Over the years I have seen both Democratic and Republican candidates win in each NH congressional district. In previous census cycles, redistricting was accomplished with only minor changes. Surely that should be possible this time too.

Yet the Republican’s map of voting districts in HB52 makes dramatic changes shifting nearly 25% of the population. It is blatantly gerrymandered to create politically safe, noncompetitive districts. In contrast, a redistricting map proposed by Democrats shifts only one town, maintaining competitive districts.

Tell your legislator to oppose HB 52 and instead adopt a redistricting plan that shifts as few municipalities as possible and maintains competitive congressional districts.

Sure, it’s tempting to redraw voting districts to favor your own party. But be careful what you wish for! In the long run fair, competitive voting districts will strengthen both our political parties and our country.