More Equitable Democracy
Electoral Justice Initiative
Provide legal research support for the transformation of electoral systems across the country
Posted July 24, 2023
Background & Context
Electoral systems have a tremendous impact on how voters’ preferences are translated into political representation. Based on British colonial history, the most common types of election for legislative bodies in the United States are plurality, winner-take-all (aka “first past the post”) elections with either single-member districts or at-large by numbered position. For communities of color, however, electoral systems, particularly at the local level, have presented significant barriers to political empowerment. Either through the process of redistricting, whereby people of color are often strategically “packed” into few or “cracked” into several single-member districts, or the perpetuation of at-large elections by numbered positions when polarized voting patterns persist, the ability of communities of color to elect candidates of their choice is often thwarted.
A complete rethinking of our electoral systems is necessary. At More Equitable Democracy (MED), we believe that proportional representation using single-transferable-vote has the most promise to upend the winner-take-all elections that disenfranchise communities of color.
Immediate Problem
We have 9 organizations in 7 regions that need to create a plan to pursue reform in their area. The legal analysis as to what is possible in their jurisdiction will determine how they proceed. Some of the basic research is completed for a few states, but our partners have specific questions about specific jurisdictions that need help answering. Thus, this legal volunteer work will be vital.
Work & Deliverables
The lawyer would analyze a local (city, county) jurisdiction, especially jurisdictions with charters, from a voting rights perspective. The end product would be an annotated version of the local charter that is accessible to a lay audience. Further, we need a memo that articulates "home rule" powers or the relationship between state and local government for that state.
Preparation Phase
- Read and view media about our program and organization
Collaboration Phase
- review current materials
- introductory call with MED and local partner
- draft research document(s)
- correspondence and additional calls with local partner if necessary
Wrap Up
- review draft.
- have exit call with MED and local partners
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More Equitable Democracy
More Equitable Democracy is a national racial justice organization focused on advancing equity through transforming our electoral system. Since our launch in 2018, we work as co-creators to establish stronger bonds of democracy while empowering communities with education, research, and the tools to strategically implement long-term change. Over the last two years, we have worked with BIPOC-led organizations and coalitions in more than 10 states to impact the redistricting process. Specifically, MED developed mapping proposals to increase representation for communities of color and supported partner organizations in their advocacy work, while providing deep civic education about the current electoral system and its drawbacks for minority representation. We are now poised to leverage these relationships to strengthen collective action at a critical moment in our history. We believe that systemic change will only come from a national grass-roots effort to change the way we elect our representatives. No amount of tinkering with the current system while maintaining the status quo of winner-take-all elections that bolster a tyranny of the majority will suffice. MED is fostering such a movement by centering underrepresented communities, providing them the tools to re-envision democracy, and supporting them through legislative and ballot initiative campaigns.
More Equitable Democracy
More Equitable Democracy is a national racial justice organization focused on advancing equity through transforming our electoral system. Since our launch in 2018, we work as co-creators to establish stronger bonds of democracy while empowering communities with education, research, and the tools to strategically implement long-term change. Over the last two years, we have worked with BIPOC-led organizations and coalitions in more than 10 states to impact the redistricting process. Specifically, MED developed mapping proposals to increase representation for communities of color and supported partner organizations in their advocacy work, while providing deep civic education about the current electoral system and its drawbacks for minority representation. We are now poised to leverage these relationships to strengthen collective action at a critical moment in our history. We believe that systemic change will only come from a national grass-roots effort to change the way we elect our representatives. No amount of tinkering with the current system while maintaining the status quo of winner-take-all elections that bolster a tyranny of the majority will suffice. MED is fostering such a movement by centering underrepresented communities, providing them the tools to re-envision democracy, and supporting them through legislative and ballot initiative campaigns.