One of the most urgent threats to representative democracy today is gerrymandering—a practice that distorts electoral maps to favor political parties and entrenched interests.
But here’s the good news: The Independent Center is a movement, not a party. That distinction matters. It means we’re uniquely positioned to spoil partisan gerrymandering efforts and advocate for reforms that put voters—not politicians—at the center of our democracy.
What Is Gerrymandering and Why Is It Dangerous?
Gerrymandering occurs when political leaders manipulate district boundaries to favor their own party or suppress the voting power of racial or ideological groups. Instead of voters choosing their representatives, gerrymandering allows politicians to choose their voters.
This undermines the very foundation of representative democracy and violates the principle of equal voting rights for all Americans.
How Gerrymandering Damages Our Democracy
Gerrymandering harms our political system in both direct and indirect ways. Gerrymandering creates safe districts that entrench incumbents and exaggerate partisan advantage, leading to fewer competitive races and diminished voter choice. Primaries become the decisive contests, favoring extreme candidates and eroding moderation. This fuels hyper-partisanship, reduces accountability, and increases corruption risks. Over time, voter apathy grows as people feel their votes no longer matter in a rigged system.
Why Independent Voters Are the Key to Reform
Independent voters are the fastest-growing segment of the electorate—and they’re tired of being sidelined by a system rigged for partisan gain. By supporting the independent movement, independents can unite behind a movement that:
- Advocates for fair redistricting and anti-gerrymandering reforms
- Promotes competitive elections that reflect the will of the people
- Encourages pragmatic leadership
- Works to modernize the American Dream by making democracy more inclusive and responsive
Join the Movement to End Gerrymandering
The Independent Center is not a political party. We are a civic movement committed to empowering independent voters and restoring balance to our democracy. By rejecting partisan manipulation and embracing electoral fairness, we can build a future where every vote truly counts.
