New York in CongressBy Rob Richie
Published December 31st 2000
To the Editor:
Re "Census Costs States Seats in Congress" (news article, Dec. 29):
The population of New York State has grown since 1990, but apparently this will not keep the state from losing two seats in the House of Representatives.
New Yorkers should push for an increase in the total number of House seats so that New York loses no more than one.
Until 1910, the number of members in the House was adjusted on a regular basis. There is no magic to 435, the current number. Like the use of poorly functioning voting equipment, this is an example of how we accept our electoral rules and practices too easily.
It is time for a comprehensive review of our democracy.
ROB RICHIE
Executive Director
Center for Voting and Democracy
Takoma Park MD
Re "Census Costs States Seats in Congress" (news article, Dec. 29):
The population of New York State has grown since 1990, but apparently this will not keep the state from losing two seats in the House of Representatives.
New Yorkers should push for an increase in the total number of House seats so that New York loses no more than one.
Until 1910, the number of members in the House was adjusted on a regular basis. There is no magic to 435, the current number. Like the use of poorly functioning voting equipment, this is an example of how we accept our electoral rules and practices too easily.
It is time for a comprehensive review of our democracy.
ROB RICHIE
Executive Director
Center for Voting and Democracy
Takoma Park MD