R.I. Republican National Committeeman Steven Frias argues that prison inmates should not be reallocated in redistricting because prison inmates are not unique, and following the U.S. Census does not lead to gerrymandering in Rhode Island and is not racist.
“Those seeking to deviate from the U.S. Census claim that prison inmates are unique because prisoners do not vote, are transient, and do not interact with elected officials like other constituents. They are wrong. First, there are other groups who are not voters … Second, there are other groups that are transient. … Third, there are other groups who do not interact with elected officials.
Following the U.S. Census for prison inmates has not led to political gerrymandering in Rhode Island. … Adherence to the U.S. Census policy for counting prison inmates was not done to favor a particular candidate or a political party.
Following the U.S. Census is not causing malapportionment type gerrymandering in Rhode Island … the districts which include the prison population have more registered voters than other districts. … Also, the districts that include the prison population actually cast more votes than some other districts… Ironically, some activists alleging prison gerrymandering live in districts that have fewer voters and cast fewer votes than the districts which include the prison.
Following the U.S. Census is not racist. In 2016, the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously determined that Cranston’s inclusion of prison inmates in its ward redistricting plan was constitutional. … This court would never have allowed Cranston’s redistricting plan to include prison inmates if it was a racist practice.
In truth, some of those alleging prison gerrymandering are doing so for partisan advantage. … according to Kimball Brace, the state redistricting consultant, “the concept of shifting the population of the prisons back to their original home … became popular among Democratic party officials” so as “to bring more Democratic seats to Congress and the state legislature.”
While these activists keep themselves busy alleging “prison gerrymandering,” some incumbent legislators will quietly but undoubtedly get their districts drawn to ensure their reelection. Now, that type of gerrymandering actually does exist in Rhode Island.”