July 7th, 2025 by WCBC Radio

Prison policy advocates in West Virginia are urging state lawmakers to put an end to “prison gerrymandering,” that distorts political representation. The problem stems from a Census Bureau practice of counting people in prison as part of the district where they’re incarcerated and not their home district. Mike Wessler with non-profit Prison Policy Initiative says action needs taken before the 2030 census…

   

“It’s taking a little bit of political power from just about everyone and giving to a handful of communities that are benefitting overwhelmingly. If West Virginia ended prison gerrymandering, it would make sure that people have an equal say in government regardless of their proximity to a prison.”