Community writes letters to lawmakers opposing mid-decade redistricting

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Hoosiers came together Wed. evening at the Charles Martin Youth Community Center to put pen to paper, writing letters to state representatives, senators, and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun to share their opposition to redraw Indiana’s Congressional maps. 

This comes after Gov. Braun called the General Assembly back to re-draw the congressional maps. Instead of holding a special session, Republican leaders decided to begin the legislative session early in the first two weeks of December.

One of the residents in the room was Stephen John, a music professor at Notre Dame and Valparaiso Universities. He read one of his completed letters out loud. 

“…as your constituent, I am writing to strongly ask you to oppose mid-cycle redistricting. This is an extremely unpopular scheme that even former Governor [Mitch] Daniels has publicly opposed. I opposed it because it goes against fair electoral maps. Also, I feel it is the job of our state leaders to represent their constituents, and not to take orders from any president,” said John. 

Twin sisters Ann Botka and Donna Botka Defrees were also among the 30 or so community members to write letters. They explained events like it is the way people can make their voices, and eventually their vote, heard. 

“I think Governor Braun is brand new at this as Governor. He’s a lifelong resident as well and you would think he would take more initiative on his own and make those decisions rather than let Washington do that for him. Plus, since it’s so early in the new election period, I mean we’re not even a year into it… I think the rushing into things and doing things in a haphazard way, just don’t see any guidance on this,” said Ann. 

The organization that helped run the event, Indiana Conservation Voters, said they plan to personally deliver the letters to the Statehouse before the early legislative session start