Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Aaron Barden
Virginia should lead the way on redistricting reform
The 1812 political cartoon that helped popularize the "Gerry-mander," named for Massachusetts Gov. Elbridge Gerry. (Public domain) By Sam Wang, Aaron Barden and Jason Rhode This year, Virginia once again has the chance to act as history-maker. Amendment 1 on the statewide ballot will create a hybrid, bipartisan redistricting commission that meaningfully includes citizens for the first time.
Clearing things up and calling for a veto-session revival in Virginia
Clearing things up and calling for a veto-session revival in Virginia April 8th, 2020, 10:49am by Aaron Barden PGP has released one-page summaries about the Virginia redistricting reform amendment’s minority protections, commission process, and transparency requirements. These one-pagers act as updates to our February 2020 report and suggest that Governor Northam use his amendment power to revive the enabling legislation’s key provisions ahead of this month’s veto session.
Virginia’s amendment one step closer to being the South’s first redistricting commission
Following a close floor vote in the House, Virginia’s General Assembly has now passed its constitutional amendment, SJ18, creating a 16-member bipartisan, hybrid redistricting commission. As a result, this amendment will head to the voters this November to be considered as a ballot question.
National and Southern organizations speak in favor of reform in VA
National and Southern organizations speak in favor of reform in VA March 2nd, 2020, 10:52am by Aaron Barden Last week, the Princeton Gerrymandering Project, in conjunction with other redistricting reform organizations, sent two letters to Virginia Speaker of the House Eileen Filler-Corn, imploring her to introduce the reform amendment, SJ18, on the floor of House of Delegates.
As bills switch chambers, a close vote for redistricting reform in Virginia
As bills switch chambers, a close vote for redistricting reform in Virginia February 12th, 2020, 11:06am by Aaron Barden On Tuesday, both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly were hectically busy as they raced to pass legislation before the “crossover” deadline, by which bills must switch from one chamber to the other.
Virginia reform update: The committees (mostly) wrap up
Virginia reform update: The committees (mostly) wrap up February 7th, 2020, 7:45pm by Aaron Barden This morning, the full House Privileges & Elections Committee voted to send three redistricting reform bills to the House floor, leaving open the two paths to reform we mentioned yesterday. These bills, as well as their Senate counterparts, will be voted on in their respective chambers next week.
Two paths, one bipartisan, emerge for redistricting reform in Virginia
Redistricting reform proposals in Virginia are starting to get sorted out. A number of bills have died. What’s left is a choice between two paths: (A) a constitutional amendment with an accompanying bill, which together create an independent commission with constraints to ensure fairness; or (B) pass a regular law to create an advisory commission, leaving final approval of redistricting plans with the General Assembly.
Newly in charge, Virginia Democrats still support redistricting reform
Hi! I’m Aaron Barden, legal analyst for the Princeton Gerrymandering Project. I’m in Richmond following the redistricting legislation. Democrats are newly in charge of the General Assembly – and they’re still in favor of reform. Today I witnessed bipartisan action to strengthen and improve the redistricting amendment – real progress! First, a basic review.
Will Virginia legislators put teeth in redistricting reform?
Will Virginia legislators put teeth in redistricting reform? February 3rd, 2020, 6:18am by Aaron Barden In 1789, Virginia was the site of the first gerrymander – even before the word “gerrymander” was coined. Now the Virginia General Assembly has a chance to take a big step toward doing away with gerrymanders entirely. Whether they do depends some complex negotiations taking place this week.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Aaron
Contact Aaron, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack