LPNC Press Release

The Libertarian Party of North Carolina applauds yesterday’s ruling by a state Superior Court panel that orders changes to the state’s legislative district map. But the party also warns that sending the job back to state lawmakers is the wrong solution, and calls for the appointment of an independent commission to do the job instead.

Brian Irving, the LPNC liaison to the Fair Districts NC Coalition, issued the following statement on behalf of the party:

The establishment parties have proven they're not only unable but unwilling to draw district lines fairly. We need to take that power away from them, not give them another chance to abuse it.

The proper solution is to create a fully independent redistricting commission along the lines outlined in Senate Bill 673.

Nearly 15 years ago, the Libertarian Party of North Carolina argued that our state’s restrictive ballot access laws also violated the equal protection, free elections, and freedom of speech and assembly clauses of the state constitution. At the time, the state Supreme Court disagreed. We are grateful that this panel has ruled otherwise.

However, placing the execution of this new ruling in the hands of the legislature is asking the foxes to redesign the henhouse―again. The point of ‘fair districts’ is to give voters fair representation, not to give two entrenched parties a fair chance to divvy up the vote. More than one-third of the state’s voters have chosen not to affiliate with either establishment party.

To learn more about the LPNC’s position on redistricting reform, or to contact an LPNC representative for further comment, please email [email protected] Or call Brian Irving directly at (919) 538-4548.

LPNC Press Release

The Libertarian Party of North Carolina reacted to today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Rucho et al. v. Common Cause et al. – in which the court declined to overturn partisan Congressional district maps in North Carolina and Maryland – by redoubling its commitment to the creation of an independent, nonpartisan, open, and transparent redistricting process.

In May, the party endorsed the five principles of redistricting reform proposed by the Fair Districts NC Coalition.

Brian Irving, the LPNC’s liaison with the coalition, said today, “The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Rucho vs. Common Cause does not change our opinion about gerrymandering. Libertarians still believe it is wrong. We agree with Chief Justice John Roberts that gerrymandering is ‘unjust’ and with dissenting Justice Elena Kagan that it has ‘debased and dishonored our democracy.’

“Now that the court has ruled, it is time for the people to act. Libertarians support the broad, grassroots effort led by Fair Districts NC to end partisan gerrymandering in North Carolina.”

David Ulmer was re-elected chair of the Wake Libertarian Party at the annual county convention April 24. Travis Groo was elected vice chair. Patrick Bowersox was re-elected secretary and Brad Hessel will serve another term as treasurer. Bruce Basson, former vice chair, will fill the at-large member position.

"It has been very personally rewarding to be a part of this group for the last few years," Ulmer said in his state of the party address. "We have made so much progress and are attracting some really quality people.”

Wake Libertarians ran a record number of candidates in 2016 and received a record number of votes.

“People now coming to the party are people who are already leaders in their community, great family members, just really good people."

He cited as an example Tim Jowers, who ran for county commissioner. Sadly, Jowers and his family were killed in a car accident shortly before the election.

“We’re going to do really well in 2020, I really believe that. We will have people sharing a message about being positive .... spreading that message, people who are kind, compassionate people, talking to voters about issues that matter.”

The convention selected delegates to the state convention set for May 31 to June 2 at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. If you are a WakeLP member and want to go, contact David Ulmer.

The convention also revised the plan of organization.