Historically, Latino communities in Yakima and Pasco have been split across separate legislative districts by the Washington Redistricting Commission.  This separation has weakened the ability of Latinos to elect a candidate of their choice in both communities. We urge the Redistricting Commission to establish a legislative district for Yakima and Pasco Latino communities compliant with the Voting Rights Act.

Similarly, the Redistricting Commission has divided the Yakama Nation in the past. We know that splitting up tribes and communities of color weakens the power of the vote of underserved communities and the overall ability for people of color to elect a candidate of their choice.  Supporters of this petition also urge the Redistricting Commission to join the Yakama Nation with Yakima proper, the Yakima Valley, and Pasco.  

These four communities can and should be within the same legislative district to achieve a top Latino citizen voting-age percentile in central Washington and maintain intact the Yakama Nation.  The Redistricting Commission has the knowledge, the tools, and the responsibility to improve representation and protect the voting rights of Latinos in south-central Washington.  We urge the Commission to take action now.

Please note: CVAP is an abbreviation and stands for Citizen Voting Age Population.