Tim Fernholz says disillusioned progressives can help Democrats, and themselves, at the ballot box.
Redistricting presents an opportunity to solve this problem directly: Drawing more competitive seats would allow Democrats to expand their majority not just in “safe” districts or Republican strongholds but in balanced seats. Look at voter registration by district: Dozens of Democrats have won seats where Republicans have the advantage, but most Republican districts are just that — home to Republicans. That’s why this redistricting isn’t just important for straightforward partisan reasons but for influencing the type of governing coalition that comes out of an election: One dominated by the right side of the Democratic coalition or by the center-left.