MADISON, Wis. — Democratic Gov. Tony Evers called on Wisconsinites Tuesday to push Republican leaders to take up and vote on new legislative maps drawn by a nonpartisan commission he created.
A former teacher and state superintendent, Gov. Evers said he would give the maps drawn by Republicans an “F” grade and vowed to veto them as-is. However, the governor left open the possibility of calling a special session for the maps by the People's Maps Commission to be considered.
The governor touted the third and final versions of Assembly, Senate and Congressional political boundaries proposed by the People's Maps Commission during a press conference held Tuesday morning. He called for consideration of the maps by Republicans after a public hearing on their proposed maps last week.
“After hundreds of people packed a committee meeting to show their opposition to these gerrymandered maps, you might not be surprised to learn that only two folks testified in support: Majority Leader LeMahieu and Speaker Vos,” Gov. Evers said.
The nonpartisan People's Maps Commission made up of everyday citizens picked by retired judges, followed five guidelines:
- Follow the law
- Transparency
- Robust public participation
- Utilization of outstanding nonpartisan expertise
- Nonpartisan independence
However, the chair of the commission, Christopher Ford, said, more importantly, they listened to the people.
“They work in these communities,” Ford said. “They raise their families in these communities. They know the issue inherent to these communities, yet as we heard from many Wisconsinites they felt as though their interests were not reflected in the current maps that they lived under. We hope to change that with these maps.”
Last week, Republican leaders told a joint committee they took suggestions from the commission into consideration, but Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called the commission an “attempt by Gov. Evers to circumvent the constitutional duty of the legislature for political gain under the guise of partisan fairness.”
Previous drafts of maps by the People's Maps Commission drew criticism for breaking up majority-minority districts. Ford said members tried to adhere to the Voting Rights Act as much as possible during the process.
“What we have done thus far in our Assembly district maps is create a seventh Black voting-age population that can create a candidate of choice for their community,” Ford said.
With a legal battle looming, the governor said the boundaries proposed by the People's Maps Commission are the ones he would present to a court, but not before making one last attempt in the Legislature.
“If I have to call a special session of the legislature to take up these maps, I will, but I shouldn't have to folks," Gov. Evers told reporters.
The Republican-controlled Legislature is expected to vote on their version of the maps next week.