For decades, legislatures have used sophisticated computer mapping programs to weave district lines in and out of streets and stitch together far-flung communities, usually to protect incumbents. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the people have the right to give it a go themselves.

In 2000, Arizona’s voters gave an independent commission the power to draw district lines, a model that California’s voters have since adopted. But after the 2010 census, the state’s Republican legislators were unhappy with the commission’s work and sued, arguing that the elections clause of the U.S. Constitution gives state legislatures the exclusive authority to draw district lines.

Undoubtedly some founders, suspicious of direct democracy, would have been horrified at the initiative and referendum process. But two centuries of experience have shown that legislators routinely manipulate election laws in their favor and oppose laws that might subject them to greater levels of competition – a practice that the founders also would have abhorred. The court’s 5-4 decision saves not only Arizona’s redistricting commission but potentially hundreds of other election laws nationwide that voters have adopted.

It also gives free rein to citizens who wish to organize petition drives to change laws governing primary elections, campaign finance, early voting, and voter registration and identification.

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