A coalition of New York government voting and civil rights groups is calling for a more transparent redistricting process as a commission prepares once again to draft new congressional maps. The state court of appeals in December ruled that the lines be redrawn after the legislature rejected the previous version and a special master drew the current maps. Executive Director of Common Cause New York Susan Lerner says it’s creating confusion just months ahead of elections.
“Now voters again have no idea what their new congressional districts will look like," Lerner said. "Potential candidates don't know where they would run if they're going to run at all, and we have less than a year until voters head to the polls.”
Meanwhile, Ben Weinberg with the group Citizens Union is demanding that the independent redistricting commission allow public input as they attempt drawing the lines for the third time.
“Redistricting commissioners have a chance to stop that pattern to regain some of the public trust that was lost with every new map making drama," Weinberg said. "Now the best way to do that is for the redistricting commission to show the public what is going on, hold mapping, discussions, deliberations and negotiations in public.”
Imani Dawson agrees. She's with the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College.
“As we stand here today, the process undertaken by the IRC is shrouded in secrecy, lacking in transparency and devoid of public input," Dawson said. "This is not just disappointing, it is undemocratic. In a state as diverse and dynamic as New York, every voice must be heard. Every community must be represented.”
The groups are calling for what they’re calling a Unity Map, which would protect communities covered by the Voting Rights Act to ensure equitable political representation. Still, coalition members worry that that there’s nothing stopping lawmakers from once again throwing out the commission’s maps and triggering another lawsuit.
