The redistricting plan for congressional districts in Pennsylvania marginalizes Erie.

Following the 2010 census, redistricting was necessary and Pennsylvania is losing a seat, but this could have easily been done without splitting Erie County, home of the state's fourth-largest city.

For the first time, Erie County will be split into two congressional districts, and Millcreek Township into two districts. This means that we have less of a voice. Our poverty rates are the highest in the state and our voice is being marginalized by a gerrymandering approach to redistricting.

Erie being split in two makes it less likely that any representative from Erie will win a race for years to come. Both of the current congressmen are from far away and have little connection to Erie. Mike Kelly, R-3rd Dist., is from Butler, about 100 miles to the south, and Glenn Thompson, R-5th Dist., is from Centre County, about 200 miles to the east.

Let's demand fair representation of Erie County. A recent letter from Diana Ames urged us to stand up, educate and demand change. I'm in. Are you?

Christine Mitchell|Harborcreek