FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2022
Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement
Admin@aadmovement.org
1-800-9 AADM 07
(1-800-922-3607)
AADM Demands Fair Redistricting and Representation
State leaders should approve Rep. Frye’s compromise redistricting map
Join us Saturday February 5th, 12:30-2pm on Zoom to discuss Fair Redistricting and Representation. The freedom to vote is under attack in Athens-Clarke County. Four state representatives and members of our county’s state delegation are proposing a new county commission district map that allegedly benefits Black and Brown communities and protects fair and free elections for all Athenians.
But this is far from the truth.
In their map, the historically Black East Athens will be split completely in half. Over 70 percent of registered voters will be moved into a new district, which means that many Athenians will not be able to vote in this election cycle. Finally, the Republican map draws three incumbent commissioners—Melissa Link (District 3), Tim Denson (District 5), and Russell Edwards (District 7)—completely out of their current districts, which also means that they will not be able to run for reelection this coming May 2022.
However, the delegation never asked for input from any Athenian. In fact, they rejected the first map that the ACC Board of Elections and Mayor and Commission approved with a majority vote. Simply because there wasn’t a unanimous Mayor and Commission approval, Athens State Representatives and Senators Marcus Wiedower, Houston Gaines, Frank Ginn, Bill Cowsert then proposed their own map which would ultimately divide Athenians.
On January 20th, 2022, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission convened a special called session to approve or reject a compromise map proposed by Democratic State Representative Spencer Frye (D118). Rep. Frye’s map retains most of the changes made by Wiedower, Houston, Ginn, and Coswert while ensuring that East Athens remains entirely in its current District 2 and that all currently eligible commissioners can run for reelection.
Unfortunately, the commission vote for Frye’s map was not unanimous. Commissioners Wright and Hamby opposed them; Commissioner Thornton voted ‘yes’ initially but then voiced her desire to change to ‘no’–without any good reason.
Unanimous consent is fundamentally undemocratic!
All Athenians, regardless of political party, should be able to vote fairly for folks who they believe can equally and fairly represent them. In addition, the Black and Brown marginalized communities within ACC should be represented by people who can relate to their experiences and are willing to fight for them rather than forced to choose from lesser evils. With the newly proposed maps, it is unlikely that they would have any representation at all in the future!
We can’t let them silence us. It’s time to be radical. The Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement urges all Athenians to contact their state representative immediately. Also, join the AADM community discussion Saturday February 5th, 12:30-2pm by Zoom to discuss Fair Redistricting and Representation.
Marcus Wiedower: Marcus.Wiedower@house.ga.gov (404) 656-0325
Houston Gaines: Houston.Gaines@house.ga.gov (404) 656-0298
Frank Ginn: Frank.Ginn@senate.ga.gov (706) 680-4466
Bill Cowsert: Bill.Cowsert@senate.ga.gov (706) 543-7700
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Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement
Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) is a grassroots, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2016 and based in Athens, Georgia. The group aims to combat discrimination through education and activism. For more information visit www.aadmovement.org, their Facebook, Twitter @AADMovement, or Instagram @aadmovement706