Gerryrigged: Turning Democracy on Its Head

'Perhaps the best documentary ever produced on the power and perils of gerrymandering and efforts to reform redistricting!' That is how Robert Gibson, former executive director of The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, describes this documentary produced for Virginia's Community Idea Stations (PBS) in cooperation with the public interest group OneVirginia2021. Director/producer Bill Oglesby includes comments from analysts and political leaders on both sides of the aisle including Virginia senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and President Barack Obama on the insidious effects as both Democrats and Republicans use gerrymandering to draw political district lines to ensure the re-election of incumbents and prevent challengers from having a realistic chance at election. GerryRIGGED shows how computer software has taken this ancient practice to a new level, in which lines can be drawn with an amazing level of precision, leading to lack of competition, voter apathy, hyper-partisanship and. ultimately, the frustrating gridlock that grips our political system today. GerryRIGGED also spotlights efforts across the country to return power to the voters through redistricting reform. GerryRIGGED has been spotlighted by reform advocates and reporters across the U.S., including HBO's Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and the popular national podcast The David Pakman Show.