2012 Issue #8 July 1, 2012

A publication of ID Action in partnership with ’s DD Council

Rulemaking Advocacy Legislators pass laws directing agencies to do something – and agencies write rules that say HOW they are going to do it. Rulemaking is just as important as lawmaking. Learn more! PAGE 5

Redistricting: Opportunities for Advocates

Every ten years (after the US Census), all states go through what is called “redistricting.” Redistricting is needed because people move, and the districts that elected officials represent sometimes lose or gain population. Redistricting is simply redrawing our electoral maps so each district includes roughly the same number of people.

In the last ten years, some districts lost population, while others gained. Redistricting changes the boundaries of our school board, city council, county supervisor, state representative, state senator, and US Representative districts to reflect those population changes. Your new Legislative Your Congressional and legislative districts may have and Congressional changed. The 2012 election (November 6, 2012) will be the first districts are listed on one that uses the new district maps. While elections always the last page. present opportunities for advocates, it is especially true this year. Elected officials will be representing new people and new areas of You can also find the new maps and who is running in these districts at: the state. Their districts may have changed greatly, picking up new www.infonetiowa.com/TAKEACTION/ counties and cities, becoming more Democratic or more VOTE.aspx. Republican, or moving from rural to urban or suburban.

Elected officials will be working harder than ever to meet these new people. Those running against current legislators will be working equally hard to show why change is needed, and why they are the best candidates. The people running for office this November want your votes, and they will work hard to get them. Elections have been closer than ever in Iowa in recent years, with only a handful of votes deciding many races. Every vote counts, and they want yours. Make them earn it!

“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world…would do this, it would change the earth!” William Faulkner

2012 Issue #8 JULY 1, 2012

Primary Election Results Three Legislators Lose This year, at least 28 legislators will not be returning to the Capitol in 2013. There are 23 legislators retiring, 2 general election races pit legislators against each other (so two will be ‘retired’ by voters), and 3 legislators that lost in the primary election. Because of redistricting, several legislators ended up in the same districts. Most decided to retire or move into another district. Four decided to stick it out, and run against each other in the primary. Another four will face each other in the general election. • Rep. Annette Sweeney (Hardin County) lost in the primary election to Rep. (grandson of US Senator Charles Grassley). She will not return to the Legislature in 2013. Summer Advocacy Grassley does not yet have an opponent in the November To-Do List election (anyone wanting to run against him has until August 17 to file the required paperwork). 1. Find your new districts. You can do this by looking at the back page, or going to • Sen. Jim Hahn (Muscatine County) lost to Sen. Shawn www.infonetiowa.com (click on “Take Hamerlinck. Sen. Hahn served in the Legislature for 22 years, Action” and “Vote”). but will not be returning in 2012. Sen. Hamerlinck will face Chris Brase of Muscatine in the November Election. 2. Find out who is running in your new The biggest Primary Election surprise was the loss of Rep. Erik district. Find a list at the above link. Helland of Johnston. Rep. Helland is the House Majority Whip, and a key part of the House Republican leadership tea