Attorney General Josh Kaul has expressed his satisfaction with the recent ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which declared the state's legislative maps unconstitutional. The decision will require new maps to be drawn before the upcoming 2024 election.
In a statement released today, Attorney General Kaul stated, "Today is a great day for democracy in Wisconsin." He went on to highlight the impact of partisan gerrymandering on the state's legislative process, saying, "For over a decade, our state legislature has been elected in a fundamentally undemocratic manner due to partisan gerrymandering. And the consequences have been immense: policies with strong public support have been blocked by—and often haven't even received a hearing from—the legislature."
The Attorney General emphasized the significance of the court's decision, stating, "Today's decision marks a sea change. It means that our state legislature will once again be truly democratically elected. The power to determine what direction our legislature takes will again reside where it belongs—with Wisconsin voters. This is a landmark ruling for democracy in Wisconsin."
Partisan gerrymandering has long been a contentious issue in Wisconsin and across the United States. It involves drawing legislative districts in a way that benefits one political party over another, often resulting in a distorted representation of the voters' preferences. The Wisconsin Supreme Court's ruling to invalidate the current maps is seen as a significant step towards addressing this issue.
The court's decision now necessitates the creation of new legislative maps that are fair and impartial. The responsibility for this task lies with the Wisconsin Legislature, which will need to ensure that the redistricting process is transparent and inclusive.
With the 2024 election on the horizon, the ruling comes at a crucial time. It presents an opportunity for Wisconsin voters to have a more direct and meaningful impact on the state's legislative agenda. By eliminating partisan gerrymandering, the court's decision aims to restore the integrity of the electoral system and give voice to the will of the people.
The Attorney General's statement reflects the widespread belief that the ruling is a significant victory for democracy in Wisconsin. It symbolizes a shift towards a more equitable and representative political landscape, where the power to shape the state's future lies firmly in the hands of its citizens.
As the state prepares for the redrawing of legislative maps, it is hoped that the process will be conducted with utmost fairness and transparency. The creation of new maps that accurately reflect the will of the voters will be crucial in ensuring a more democratic and inclusive political system in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court's decision to invalidate the state's legislative maps has been met with praise and optimism. It is seen as a positive step towards a more democratic future, where the voices of all Wisconsinites can be heard and represented in the state legislature.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/news-releases/attorney-general-kaul-releases-statement-wisconsin-supreme-court-decision-invalidating