Statement from All On The Line: PA Judicial Gerrymandering Bill Moves Forward, Jeopardizing Judicial Independence
For Immediate Release:
January 13, 2021
Contact:
Molly Mitchell
mitchell@redistrictingaction.org
Statement from All On The Line: PA Judicial Gerrymandering Bill Moves Forward, Jeopardizing Judicial Independence
Proposed Amendment HB38 Would Make Judges Accountable to Legislators, Not Pennsylvanians
Today, Pennsylvania’s House Judiciary Committee voted to pass House Bill 38, a proposed amendment to the state constitution, that, if passed by the General Assembly and approved by voters, would establish districts for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Commonwealth Court, and Superior Court, eliminating state-wide elections for each seat. The proposed system -- which was rushed through committee without sufficient time for review -- is unlike almost any other in the country, as it would threaten judicial independence by creating the opportunity for judicial districts to be gerrymandered, and could significantly impact the congressional and legislative redistricting processes.
“Under a facade of geographic diversity, the state legislature is in fact taking power away from Pennsylvanians. Giving legislators the power to draw judicial districts will compromise independence in the state’s highest courts by making judges accountable not to the voters, but to the lawmakers themselves,” said Fernando Treviño, Pennsylvania Director for All On The Line.
“Pennsylvanians deserve the most qualified judges possible to serve on the high courts, and their location within the Commonwealth should not have an affect on an individual’s ability to interpret state law. HB 38 is a terrible bill, and I urge the House of Representatives to reject it,” Treviño continued.
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All On The Line
All On The Line is on a mission to end gerrymandering because it contributes to the polarization and dysfunction in our political system. Since launching in 2019, we’ve built a grassroots volunteer organization ahead of the 2021 redistricting process. This work includes launching Redistricting U, a national, in-person training program designed to give individuals the knowledge, skills, and tools to take action on redistricting, a program that is now offered virtually. All On The Line is the grassroots campaign of the National Redistricting Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) affiliate of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. For more information please visit: https://www.allontheline.org/