Redistricting Update and Where do we go from here?

Thank you for all the spirited emails, calls and comments you have shared in response to our last update, and to our call for immediate fundraising.  Below is an update to address the questions we have received and what we know so far.  

Last time on "Redistricting Seattle" and how we got here...

When faced with the challenge of redistricting, the Seattle Redistricting Commission had the option to move forward with one of the map options offered by consultants and community, that met the charter requirements, met the goals of public interest groups, and followed the law.  Unfortunately, the Seattle Redistricting Commission opted to go another way, and voted for the one map that cracks the Magnolia Community into two City Council Districts.  The Commission held a meeting Tuesday, 11.15.22 to submit the final map to the Office of the City Clerk, who will deliver the final map to the King County Clerk and the Director of Elections at King County.

Tonight on "Redistricting Seattle" and what we do now..

The 11.15.22 meeting started a 15 day clock for any challenges to the final map.  MCC's last newsletter update outlined our next steps to explore options on behalf of our Magnolia Community and started fundraising for this effort.  In just over four days, we have raised roughly half of what is needed to retain legal representation to petition for a review of the map.  MCC and additional community volunteers have been working round the clock to pull together information for our petition, meet with prospective attorneys and appellants, and review all options available to us.   

Coming up this season on "Redistricting Seattle" 

We have received several questions regarding the likelihood of success of this effort.  While we can not say with 100% certainty that a request for a review will be successful, we believe that we have a good foundation for a complaint based on the simple fact that the final map does not meet the outlined charter guidelines. 

Several members of our community reached out indicating that they would like to donate, but wonder what will happen if we are not successful?  In the case that we are not able to move forward, we are currently holding all donations in our PayPal account, and will not cash mailed checks.  In the event that we do not move forward, PayPal donations will be refunded and checks will be returned. 

Our action plan remains the same as our last newsletter:
This is a community-driven process. MCC will steer fundraising for a legal defense fund, and here is what we need from YOU, our Magnolia registered voters, are:

• Immediate and generous donations

• Are you a Magnolia Attorney, and interested in adding your talents to our effort? If so, please let us know ASAP, we would love to talk with you.

• Any registered voter, residing in the redistricting plan may request review by King County Superior court within 15 days of the plan's adoption. If you are a registered voter, and willing to sign on as an additional party to the review request, please contact MCC directly (we have not finalized a strategy for this option).

  • There is no additional financial obligation to sign on, our fundraising will cover the costs, and your contribution here is appreciated.

  • In your email to MCC, please include which new district you live in based on the final Redistricting Commission map.