Personal statement:
The goal of my map is to redistrict Pennsylvania so that it is more competitive. Election turnout is often dreadfully low, and it is no wonder when people often feel that they cannot make a difference in the political system due to the unacceptable number of districts that are uncompetitive.
Growing up as a member of the unpopular party in a starkly uncompetitive district, I have often felt disempowered at the polls. Nevertheless, I have voted in each election since I turned 18 because I understand it is my civic responsibility; however, countless others do not act as I do.
Many people like me, people who are alienated by a political system that does not encourage them to participate, do not think voting is worth the effort. Not everyone has the time or energy to cast a vote that feels as though it does not count. Thus, the lack of competitiveness is profoundly harmful to democracy and the well-being of the United States.
By making the map more competitive, democracy can flourish. To accomplish this weighty task, I sacrificed compactness; however, democracy and participation in politics are much more important than geography, especially in a time where technology and social media make geography increasingly irrelevant.
