A County Without Voice

All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety, happiness and the protection of property. For the advancement of these ends, they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may deem proper.
– Kentucky Constitution, Bill of Rights, Section 4.

Harlan County Kentucky, the place of my birth and upbringing, has been a dealt a poor hand in our state legislature. Harlan is divided into two districts, 87 and 84, in the states House of Representatives. In these districts, Bell County (87) and Perry County (84) contain their entirety in the districts. This leaves the residents of Harlan unfairly represented and at a disadvantage in elections. While Bell and Perry county have the whole of their populations in each election, Harlan only has half in either district. I am calling on the residents of Harlan to address this issue of misrepresentation. How can we the people of Harlan begin to make progress if we have no voice?

This is a short summary of a essay I just published about my local area. The essay outlines the unfairness in elections and representation for Harlan County residents because of gerrymandering. In the essay, I never actually address gerrymandering by name, though it is the heart of the issue, i instead focused on the important and solutions of the issue. the whole essay can be read here https://www.booksie.com/532584-a-county-without-voice