Up To Date

Why Kansas And Missouri Gerrymandering Continues

By Steve Kraske,

Published February 1, 2021 at 5:16 PM CST

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Kenneth Ford, with Freedom Inc., encourages people vote early Tuesday morning at the intersection of Swope Parkway and Prospect Avenue. Ford and a small group of volunteers were moving from location to location throughout the city to spread the message. — Individual state control of drawing congressional districts can dilute the power of some voters by creating districts that favor one political party over another.

How did drawing congressional districts become such a political battle?

In the months to come, the state legislatures in Kansas and Missouri will begin the once-a-decade process of redistricting. Gerrymandering is the latest evolutionary iteration of voter suppression. It isn't unique to the United States, but the control states have over the procedure makes the undertaking inherently more political here.

Darius Watson, assistant professor of political science at Lincoln University
David Stebenne, professor of history and law at The Ohio State University

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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Mackenzie Martin

As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.

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