WHEN:  Saturday, Nov 18, 10:00 am 
WHERE:  Ridgedale Library, Meeting Room 172, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka, MN 55305
SPEAKER:  Paul Huffman
Redistricting of congressional and legislative districts is one of the most fundamental determinants of the health of our democracy.  It is also one of the least understood and appreciated by voters and some legislators.  As has been the case for the last 60 years, Minnesota had divided government during the most recent redistricting cycle, resulting in the state courts drawing new district maps.  Outside of Minnesota, states with independent citizen commissions (Arizona, California, Colorado and Michigan) have redistricting efforts that were least contentious and least influenced by partisan manipulation.  

LWVMN and Common Cause MN have been working together to develop a redistricting reform bill for Minnesota to be considered in the next legislative session.  This presentation will briefly review the principles and core aspects of redistricting; provide an overview of the 2022 redistricting results both in Minnesota and nationally; and discuss how the redistricting process in Minnesota can and should be changed to reflect the interest of the people - voters - rather than the interest of the political parties.  The presentation will review key elements of the redistricting bill and how the bill addresses both Minnesota's needs as well as the experience from other states.  

Paul Huffman is the League of Women Voters Minnesota Elections and Redistricting Policy  Coordinator.  In the area of redistricting, he works with national and state organizations to provide information, resources and support to LWV Minnesota Leagues, members, and community groups to educate and engage the public to encourage participation in redistricting in Minnesota. He was previously a member of the Our Maps Minnesota Redistricting Campaign Steering Committee.   Paul received a post-baccalaureate certificate in Election Administration from the University of Minnesota Humphrey School for Public Affairs, and holds additional degrees and certifications in Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering, Business, and National Security.  He served in the U.S. Navy as a nuclear submarine officer retiring as a Commander from the U.S. Naval Reserve, and retired from Xcel Energy as General Manager Nuclear Fleet Operations.