Recap of October Program

Recap of October Program By Vicki Kloock

OCTOBER’S SPOTLIGHT ON GERRYMANDERING AND REDISTRICTING was held at the Sierra 2 Community Center on Saturday, October 18th. The program began with a short history of the Constitution and the development of the two-party system to represent different political views; one stressing the power of the federal government and one stressing the importance of states’ rights. Then we learned how gerrymandering was developed and named, followed by redistricting.

In an ideal world, redistricting would result in representational districts that have been fairly updated to reflect any population shifts which may have occurred since the last Census. Unfortunately, districts are often redrawn with a bias, the effects of which end up disenfranchising entire communities of voters. When districts are redrawn unfairly, it is known as gerrymandering, The presenters demonstrated how gerrymandering has been used and abused over the years. With the use of modern data analysis, minority groups can have their voting power diluted. Did you know that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 banned racial gerrymandering? While gerrymandering for racial reasons is no longer legal, gerrymandering for partisan politics is.

The presenters then moved on to explain California Proposition 50 which will be voted on November 4th. They discussed what a ‘yes’ vote would mean and what a ‘no’ vote would mean not only for the upcoming elections but the future of voting rights in our country. Whatever you do, please vote!

****COMING ATTRACTIONS****

  • December 13, 2025: Winter Luncheon / Author’s Luncheon, North Ridge CC.
  • January 31, 2026: Capital Counties Inter-Branch Council Luncheon, North Ridge CC.
  • February 28, 2026: Dr. Erika Cameron, Provost & Sr. Vice-President for Academic Affairs at California State University – Sacramento will speak to us at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center. We will also be featuring our scholarship winners.
  • March 21, 2026: Another Public Policy presentation at the Sacramento Dharma Center.
  • April 18, 2026:  NEW! The California State AAUW Annual Event will take place on Zoom. We need volunteers to open their homes for “watch parties”. Please call Kathleen Deaver or send email if you can accommodate 4 or more people.
  • May 9, 2026: A Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion presentation as well as the celebration of our member awards will take place at the Rancho Cordova City Hall.

For a snapshot of all monthly programs for the 2025-26 year, click <here>.