Check Out the Important Debate This Wednesday Night, “Should Virginia Amend Its Constitution for Redistricting Reform?”

I encourage everyone to attend or watch the live stream of the important debate, “Should Virginia Amend its Constitution for Redistricting Reform?”, scheduled for this Wednesday evening at 8 pm in Arlington. For those of us who are progressive and who (intensely) dislike partisan gerrymandering, the key question isn’t *whether* we change the current way redistricting is done, but exactly *how* to change it. I’ve read and watched Del. Mark Levine (D-Alexandria/Arlington)’s detailed, extremely well-researched explanation (see here and here) for why the amendment that will be up for a vote in 2020 is seriously flawed, and why redistricting reform can be accomplished in a much fairer way with legislation. And he’s persuaded me. But this Wednesday evening will be an actual debate between the two “sides” in this, and that should be very valuable. Anyway…check it out if you can, and let others know about it!

Should the General Assembly Vote to Amend the Virginia Constitution and Pass Redistricting Reform? Pictured left to right: Brian Cannon, Del. Mark Levine, Scott Bledso December C100 Program Wednesday, December 11, 2019 @Marymount University Earlier this year, the Virginia General Assembly took the first step in passing a constitutional amendment to end partisan gerrymandering in the commonwealth. In order for the amendment to make to Virginia voters, the legislature must first pass an identical version in the 2020 session. While the amendment passed in 2019 with overwhelming bipartisan support, its chances of passage in the 2020 session are far from certain. Join us to discuss the pros and the cons of the constitutional amendment. Our speakers are: Brian Cannon, Executive Director, OneVirginia 2021 Delegate Mark Levine, D – 45th District: Counties of Arlington (part) and Fairfax (part); City of Alexandria (part) Scott Bledso, PhD Candidate in Political Science, George Mason University Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Marymount University – Phelan Hall 2807 N. Glebe Road (Directions here) 7:00pm – Meet and Greet 7:30pm – Dinner Begins (dinner purchase optional) 8:00 pm – Program Begins RSVP Here Watch Livestream on YouTube! Watch a livestream when the program starts by clicking here. Made possible by the team at Arlington Independent Media The program is open to the public – all are welcome. If you would like to purchase dinner, reservations must be made no later than Sunday December 8, 2019. Visit our website to become a member, renew a membership, and more! arlc100.org