For the City-Times

Representative Katrina Shankland (Stevens Point) joined her thirteen freshman Democratic colleagues on Thursday in introducing legislation that would implement a non-partisan redistricting plan.

The bill models Iowa’s redistricting process, which puts a non-partisan board in charge of drawing new district lines every ten years. An identical companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Hansen, Cullen, and Schultz.

“The people of Wisconsin should be choosing their elected representatives, not the other way around. In the interest of fair elections and the integrity of our democratic process, we must take politics out of the redistricting process,” Shankland said.

“Under this bill, legislative districts would be drawn without regard for political parties, the addresses of incumbents, previous election results, or the political affiliations of registered voters. This bill would also make the redistricting process more accountable and transparent by requiring that at least three public hearings be held on any proposed redistricting bill,” said Shankland in a statement.

“The redistricting process has been abused by both parties over the years and now is the time to make the change. I am proud to join my newly-elected colleagues in introducing this fair, non-partisan solution to what has become a recurring, unnecessary problem. I look forward to working with members of the legislature to restore the public trust and give the people of Wisconsin a real voice in their government.”