BiographyElection ReformThe 2004 Presidential race was one of the closest elections in our nation’s history. On that same Election Day, however, most U.S. House races were much less competitive. Due to political gerrymandering, only 5 percent of Congressional incumbents lost their seats in the 2004 Election. Today an incumbent in the House of Representatives stands a 99% chance of being re-elected, and out of 435 seats in the House, no more than 36 are truly competitive. I believe that the only way we can keep partisan politics out of the redistricting process is to take it out of the hands of politicians. In the 109th Congress, I cosponsored the Fairness and Independence in Redistricting Act (HR 2642). This legislation would set national standards for bipartisan commissions to draw each state’s Congressional district maps every 10 years and restrict the redrawing of Congressional districts for partisan gain. Passage of this bill would reduce political gerrymandering and return the House of Representatives back to the hands of the voters. Manipulating district lines for political motives has a detrimental effect on our state and our country as it silences the voices of the voters and further polarizes voters along partisan lines. It is my hope that the public will stand up in support of a fair redistricting process—one in which the power will be taken away from the state legislatures and given back to the people where it belongs. View related releases Boyd: Give The Voters A Voice Give Voters a Voice Celebrating the Spirit of Democracy Good Manners at Home...and in Congress Boyd Joins Colleagues In Calling For A Fair Redistricting Process |
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