Clarksville-Montgomery County Elected Officials and Candidates Sign Letter Opposing Gerrymandering Effort

Clarksville is a growing, vibrant community that deserves fair, transparent, and consistent representation. Gerrymandering is a threat to democracy. When district lines are drawn to serve political interests rather than the people, it undermines the core principle that voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around. 

We oppose the corrupt redrawing of our congressional district in the middle of an election cycle being considered in this week’s special legislative session. Any effort to redraw district lines to divide and dilute the voices of Clarksville residents should be rejected. 

That Clarksville representation could be disrupted as the state legislature attempts to dilute the voting power of Memphis, one of Tennessee’s majority black cities, is an insult to the legacy of the Voting Rights Act and the civil movement. This is voter suppression of our Black and minority communities. 

Carving up our city for political gain also creates unnecessary confusion for residents. We just had an election for district 7 in December and candidates are already filed in the 2026 election. Candidates in the current election have already filed and qualified to run.  Clarksville residents deserve clarity, stability, and representation that reflects the integrity of our community, not lines drawn for convenience or advantage. 

Gerrymandering can fracture communities that share common needs, histories, and priorities. Instead of keeping neighborhoods intact, it can split them apart, diluting the collective voices and making it harder to advocate for resources like schools, infrastructure, and public safety. 

We urge the Montgomery County Delegation to reject any proposals that gerrymander Clarksville in ways that undermine fair representation. 

Resources on fighting back this week:

Informative Webinar: Understanding the Supreme Court’s Decision on the Voting Rights Act and impact on Tennessee: Join Civic TN and partners for an informative and educational presentation on the recent Voting Rights Act, Louisiana vs. Callais decision, and its impact on Tennessee’s representation. Monday, May 4, 6:00 p.m. Registration
link: https://www.mobilize.us/civictn/event/949166/

PROTECT THE SOUTH: Action at the Capitol: Tuesday, May 5th at NOON: Registration link:
https://www.mobilize.us/civictn/event/949163/

Location: Tennessee State Capitol, 425 Rep. John
Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN 37243

PROTECT THE SOUTH: Actions at the Capitol: Wednesday, May 6th – Thursday, May 7th: Details and Location TBD.

Register for updates https://www.mobilize.us/civictn/event/949217/

Click the link to find your legislator: Call or email them everyday this week!  https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/fml/search