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Penn’s Village Presents: Political Redistricting



When PV member Fred Murphy first got involved in redistricting more than 10 years ago, a politically active neighbor described this issue as “wonky,” or one that people do not care about. It has since become one of the most talked about areas for reforming our not-so-representative government. Voters in some states with referenda, notably California and Arizona, have vastly improved the process of redistricting. At the same time, the Supreme Court has failed to undo egregious gerrymanders in other states. In this presentation, Fred explores why correcting gerrymandering is so hard and what needs to be done to address the problem.

Fred Murphy has been a member of the Common Cause PA Redistricting Committee for almost a decade. In 2011, the group won a top prize for their redistricting plan for Philadelphia in a contest sponsored by WHYY, the Inquirer, and Azavea.


Fred Murphy
Redistricting Presentation
Redistricting Terminology
The Penns Village Audience


For additional reading Fred recommends:

Ratf**ked: why your vote doesn't count by David Daley (Available on Amazon) 

Give Us the Ballot by Ari Berman (Available on Amazon)

Amazon also has some books with good reviews under Gerrymandering.


Penn’s Village supports and actively encourages a diverse and inclusive community of members, staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers. Diversity and inclusiveness means excluding no one because of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical abilities, religious beliefs or political beliefs.