MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today delivered the Democratic Radio Address on The People's Maps Commission. This commission will provide a transparent and nonpartisan redistricting option for the state of Wisconsin.

Audio file of radio address.

Hi, folks. Governor Tony Evers here. 

When I ran for governor, I promised the people of this state that I would fight for nonpartisan redistricting and fair, impartial maps that were drawn in the light of day, and by golly, we’re going to make good on that promise. 

Because I believe, and I know Wisconsinites do too, that the people should get to choose their elected officials, not the other way around. 

In fact, 51 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties support a nonpartisan redistricting process.

Folks, the Legislature has had every opportunity to take up nonpartisan redistricting reform, but they’ve failed to act.

That’s why, following my State of the State Address earlier this year, we created The People’s Maps Commission to provide a transparent and nonpartisan redistricting option for the state of Wisconsin.

This committee will be comprised of the people of our state— not elected officials, lobbyists, or political party officials— and they will represent each one of Wisconsin’s congressional districts. 

They will hold public hearings across the state to hear from their neighbors, experts, and stakeholders on the redistricting process and use that input to draw maps free of bias. Then, it will be up to the Legislature to take up and pass The People’s Maps. 

Folks, this isn’t a Democratic or Republican redistricting commission, and it’s not the Tony Evers redistricting commission. 

It’s your commission. If you would like to apply to serve on the commission or to learn more, please visit: www.wisconsin.gov/peoplesmaps.

Thank you so much.

Politicians should have to answer for their choices in office. It is time to make that a reality.

West Point - Governor Evers announced the official application and selection process for The People’s Maps Commission Thursday, the nonpartisan redistricting commission to draw fair, impartial maps following the 2020 U.S. Census.

Wisconsin currently has extremely gerrymandered maps, which has cost Wisconsin taxpayers millions in lawsuits. Additionally, nonpartisan redistricting is widely supported, with 51 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, representing approximately 78% of Wisconsinites, having passed resolutions or referenda supporting nonpartisan redistricting in our state. That is why The People’s Maps will directly reflect the will of the people all over Wisconsin, and put the power back in the hands of Wisconsinites, and not special interests groups, lobbyists, and politicians.

“There are many proposals that are supported by the majority of Wisconsinites that do not even get public hearings,” said Senator Erpenbach. “From expanding Medicaid, legalizing medical cannabis, to nonpartisan redistricting, Republican leadership has continuously blocked popular proposals that they claim are ‘non-starters.’ Politicians should not be able to ignore their constituents because of unfairly drawn and biased maps. It is time for change.”

The People’s Maps Commission will be comprised of people – not politicians or lobbyists, and the Commission will use the information it gathers to prepare maps that represent Wisconsin. Details about applying, eligibility requirements, the selection process, and the responsibilities of the Commission are available on the People’s Maps Commission website: https://govstatus.egov.com/peoplesmaps

“This pandemic has shed light on what happens when the voice of many is stripped and handed to a few,” said Senator Erpenbach. “Republicans have refused to show up to work and pass legislation to provide much needed relief to our businesses and families that are struggling as a result of COVID-19. The GOP consistently ignores the will of the people because they aren’t afraid that they will be held accountable at the ballot box. Politicians should have to answer for their choices in office. It is time to move our state forward to ensure that people come before politics.”