Dog whistles and voting rights

There are lots of levels to what’s going on with our voting rights. Though there are numerous comments and complaints about the person at the top the challenges to your voting rights are not just at the top.

As the southern states are rallying to change the lines on congressional districts there are several things to consider.  There will be those who make arguments for and against this.  Some will say they are offering common sense solutions.  Some will say that this will be for balancing the population shifts.  Some will say it is to preserve common interests for voters.  And of course, there will be those who will use it to maintain political power.   If the desire is to remove race from the consideration for districts, then why does race seem to be a constant factor when drawing the lines?

It would be too simplistic to place the blame for this at the presidential level alone.  The work of the judiciary on state and federal levels have played a role also.  Whether that judge was appointed or voted in, their position was made possible because of who the elected officials were.  The local judge, governor, senator, congressman or president all got into office as the result of an election. Those congressmen are in position based upon the districts that the state legislators create. The state legislators are voted on locally. 

While many are railing against things, and people, on the federal level (the president, the supreme court, congress) do not forget the control to these districts come from the local state legislators led by the agenda of the governor.  Just because the noise seems to be coming from Washington it is really happening at the state capitol.

A dog whistle emits a sound using a frequency that can only be detected by dogs.  Since the governor has called a special election the same week as the Juneteenth holiday, it gives off racially motivated vibes.  Whether or not that is the case does not matter because it gives off the impression that it is.  The responses to this would distract from the issue at hand, watering down the impact of citizens voting power.  While real issues should be discussed, they should not distract from the main issue.

What will the impact of redistricting be?  Look to Memphis for your answer.  That plan split Shelby County up into three congressional districts, effectively eliminating the ability for local residents to be represented by someone from that locality.

Write, email or call your state representatives and state senators’ office to let them know what you think about the work of this special session in regards to redistricting.  You can call 1-800-GEORGIA (1-800-436-7442) to get contact information on your state legislator or you can go to www.legis.ga.gov to find your legislators contact information. It is better to reach out to them before the special session rather than after so that you may be able to hold them accountable.