In North Carolina's political landscape, Kate Barr is making waves with an unconventional campaign for State Senate District 37. The 42-year-old mother of two introduces herself as "your losing candidate," a stark admission that underscores the impact of gerrymandering on electoral outcomes.
Gerrymandering, a practice dating back to 1812, has significantly shaped North Carolina's political map. Despite the state's competitive statewide races, Republicans hold a supermajority in the legislature due to district boundaries they themselves drew. This situation exemplifies the efficiency gap, a measure used to quantify partisan gerrymandering's extent.
Barr's campaign centers on giving voters a choice, even in heavily Republican districts. Her strategy aligns with a broader Democratic initiative to field candidates in all races, regardless of winnability. This approach aims to boost voter turnout and raise awareness about gerrymandering's effects.
The impact of gerrymandering extends beyond election outcomes. In many states, it has led to the passage of laws that may not reflect the majority's views. For instance, North Carolina recently enacted a 12-week abortion ban, overriding the governor's veto. This illustrates how gerrymandering can affect policy-making and potentially increase political polarization.
Republicans dismiss the Democrats' efforts. Dee Duncan, president of the Republican State Leadership Committee, stated they are focused on maintaining GOP control in key battleground states. Matt Mercer, spokesman for the North Carolina GOP, attributed Republican success to their policies resonating with voters.
However, Democrats argue that the current maps don't reflect North Carolina's closely divided electorate. The Princeton Gerrymandering Project has given the state's Senate and congressional maps an "F" for fairness and competitiveness. This situation mirrors challenges in other states, where both parties have engaged in gerrymandering when given the opportunity.
Efforts to combat gerrymandering vary across the country. Some states have adopted independent commissions or fair districting criteria to reduce partisan influence in map-drawing. However, a 2019 U.S. Supreme Court ruling determined that federal courts cannot hear challenges to partisan gerrymandering, leaving the issue largely in state hands.
Barr's campaign employs creative tactics to engage voters and make politics more accessible. She uses humor, sparkly merchandise, and events like "Democracy Rocks" to attract attention to her cause. This approach, unburdened by the pressure of winning, allows for candid discussions about gerrymandering's impact.
"As scary as it is to text the people you know, the idea of Donald Trump as our president or Mark Robinson as our governor is infinitely more terrifying, and I feel like I can overcome anything if I hold my 2016 day-after-the-election feeling in my heart."
While Barr's campaign may not lead to electoral victory, it serves a crucial purpose in challenging the status quo and educating voters about the effects of gerrymandering on representative democracy. As the 2024 election approaches, her efforts contribute to a larger conversation about fair representation and the future of American politics.