Redistricting Commissions are Now in a Majority of States

By EditorOn February 22, 2021February 17, 2021

Redistricting Commissions are Now in a Majority of States

In case you missed it, as of this January when Maryland’s Governor announced the creation of an advisory redistricting commission, 26 states now have some form of a redistricting commission. Other recent additions include Ohio and Virginia.

Commissions with Power to Enact a Map

These commissions have the initial (and sometimes ultimate authority) to enact a redistricting map for a state. This includes “citizen” or “independent” commissions, in addition to appointed or hybrid commissions.

Alaska	Arizona	Arkansas	California
Colorado	Hawaii	Idaho	Michigan
Missouri	Montana	New Jersey	Ohio
Pennsylvania	Washington

Some but not all of these commissions listed have authority over “both” congressional and legislative maps.

Advisory or Backup Commissions

Advisory commissions go through the entire process of developing a redistricting map, but it is merely a proposal, the commission has no power to enact the map into law. Backup commissions only have the power to enact a map if the legislature fails to agree on maps.

Backup Commissions

Advisory Commissions

* Some but not all of these commissions listed have authority over “both” congressional and legislative maps.
** Iowa does create a Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission to conduct public hearings and assist the Bureau with specific questions, but is not considered a traditional commission since legislative staff is responsible for drawing initial maps. Read more about Iowa’s process on its state page.