"He has been following politics since 2016, when he was in fourth grade, and enjoys looking at old election maps (and drawing new ones) in his spare time."
Why am I not surprised that you two found each other? :-).
Thank you for showing us that the upcoming generations are up to the task of democracy.
Great story, Gabe. I'm not sure DD realizes that most of us wouldn't have the slightest idea how to use Dave's redistricting platform and wouldn't try, even though we now know it exists.
Wonderful story. And this quote from DD is so true: “Nothing shapes elections quite like the lines under which the elections take place. Those who control the maps control the election, put simply.” In 2024 I was part of a grassroots effort to move from district-wide elections to trustee area elections for our local high school district. We pushed for and got a citizens committee to guide the maps. It was controversial and unfortunately conflated with recent school closures in the feeder districts, but ultimately the maps were approved. The maps resulted in two trustees being elected to the school board from areas that had never had representation before. I joined the campaign team for my local candidate (first time on a campaign!) and am thrilled she won. Having smaller trustee areas made it possible for her to run-district wide would have been too expensive. She is now the first Latina to be elected to the school board and one of two practicing teachers elected last fall under the new maps.
As always, this old fart cannot thank you enough for what you and all you young ‘uns do. You are a blessing and may you continue to bless us with your careful and considerate reporting in the years to come. Peace!
Rural hospitals are vital to small towns’ stability and wellbeing.
In rural North Alabama, our hospitals are struggling. It’s time to have a conversation on why this is happening, and the consequences of ignoring this issue.
hate to rain on the parade but this kid calls himself a Democrat and as his first activity is....opposing the NAACP in court and seeking to beat them again when they appeal. I know he's looking forward to make a name for himself but its going to be for working to take opportunities away from Black people (unless he thinks he knows better than experienced lawyers for NAACP, which is not exactly a "humble" attitude)
"He has been following politics since 2016, when he was in fourth grade, and enjoys looking at old election maps (and drawing new ones) in his spare time."
Why am I not surprised that you two found each other? :-).
Thank you for showing us that the upcoming generations are up to the task of democracy.
Happy holidays.
Great story, Gabe. I'm not sure DD realizes that most of us wouldn't have the slightest idea how to use Dave's redistricting platform and wouldn't try, even though we now know it exists.
Wow. That is a fun story and good for him for carefully reading history and case law and applying it thoughtfully and valuing a lack of bias.
Wonderful story. And this quote from DD is so true: “Nothing shapes elections quite like the lines under which the elections take place. Those who control the maps control the election, put simply.” In 2024 I was part of a grassroots effort to move from district-wide elections to trustee area elections for our local high school district. We pushed for and got a citizens committee to guide the maps. It was controversial and unfortunately conflated with recent school closures in the feeder districts, but ultimately the maps were approved. The maps resulted in two trustees being elected to the school board from areas that had never had representation before. I joined the campaign team for my local candidate (first time on a campaign!) and am thrilled she won. Having smaller trustee areas made it possible for her to run-district wide would have been too expensive. She is now the first Latina to be elected to the school board and one of two practicing teachers elected last fall under the new maps.
As always, this old fart cannot thank you enough for what you and all you young ‘uns do. You are a blessing and may you continue to bless us with your careful and considerate reporting in the years to come. Peace!
Great story!! TY
What an inspiring young man and great story. Thanks for sharing it with us, Gabe!
Has he found an attorney?
Happy, happy, happy holidays Gabe….what will the new year bring?
Rural hospitals are vital to small towns’ stability and wellbeing.
In rural North Alabama, our hospitals are struggling. It’s time to have a conversation on why this is happening, and the consequences of ignoring this issue.
Read my breakdown- substack.com/@tannerham…
Joe Everyman Freshman strikes a blow for statistical fairness. Just outstanding! Thanks for this, Gabe, and happy new year.
What a great story--thanks for telling it, Gabe!
Gabe,
Thanks for all your good reporting and hard research this year!
Also, you may have a partner in waiting with D.D. :-)
hate to rain on the parade but this kid calls himself a Democrat and as his first activity is....opposing the NAACP in court and seeking to beat them again when they appeal. I know he's looking forward to make a name for himself but its going to be for working to take opportunities away from Black people (unless he thinks he knows better than experienced lawyers for NAACP, which is not exactly a "humble" attitude)
Terrific story.
Because of your newsletter, sometimes I find myself reading through legislation in my spare time 😂. Thanks and happy holidays!