Are Redistricting Commissions in Danger?

Are Redistricting Commissions in Danger?

By Michelle DavisJan 09, 2019
Arizona, California and more recently, Ohio are among the handful of states that have established independent redistricting commissions by ballot measures. The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld a challenge to Arizona's commission, but at least one election law expert warns that the court may reverse itself on this question in the future. Rick Hasen, Professor of law and political science at the University of California, Irvine believes this is a real possibility. Read the article in the Atlantic.
FEATURES, POLICY and PRACTICE, Redistricting, Redistricting Commissions, REFORM, , ,
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Michigan State Supreme Court Hears Argument on Commission Ballot Initiative

Michigan State Supreme Court Hears Argument on Commission Ballot Initiative

By EditorJul 24, 2018
Last week, the Michigan State Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case that pits redistricting reform advocates at odds with opponents about whether to allow a proposal for an independent redistricting commission on the ballot this election year that would amount to a sweeping reform of the redistricting process if approved by Michigan voters. (more…)
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Court Sides with Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission

Court Sides with Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission

By EditorMar 19, 2017
Maricopa County, Arizona - A Superior Court judge has rejected the remaining challenges against the work of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission.  Plaintiffs had challenged the commission's process and accused the commission of violating state open meeting laws.  The Supreme Court ruled in the commission's favor in June of 2015.  There is no word yet on an appeal.
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(Video) Court to Decide Illinois Redistricting Reform Fate Soon

(Video) Court to Decide Illinois Redistricting Reform Fate Soon

By EditorJul 07, 2016
Illinois - Redistricting reform in Illinois will soon get a decision from a court on whether a proposed 11 member redistricting commission can be submitted to voters as a ballot initiative for an up or down vote.  Listen to this local ABC news station interview a representative from the reform group behind the ballot measure on its prospects.   http://abc7chicago.com/video/embed/?pid=1411236
Redistricting, Redistricting Commissions, REFORM, ,
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Colorado Redistricting Reform Fails

Colorado Redistricting Reform Fails

By EditorJul 06, 2016
Colorado - The State's Supreme Court has thrown out two constitutional ballot measures that would have changed how Colorado draws its congressional and state legislative maps. A 4-3 decision ruled that the measures were in violation of the state constitution's "single-subject" rule. The measures would have established a 12- member nonpartisan commission to redraw congressional and state legislative districts. Read more here.
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Will the Court’s Arizona Decision Spawn More Independent Commissions?

Will the Court’s Arizona Decision Spawn More Independent Commissions?

By EditorSep 22, 2015
Now that the Supreme Court has sanctioned Independent Redistricting Commissions brought about by voter ballot intiatives, will more states follow? Is this an effective way to thwart Republican gerrymanders? Michael Sargeant and Mark Schauer ponder these questions in this article in The Hill Blog. They point out that ballot initiatives are not widely available among the states although many could benefit from voter initiatives that take the partisanship out of the redistricting equation. The best strategy according to Sargeant and Schauer is to ensure Democratic majorities in these key states. Read more.
Elections Clause, Redistricting Commissions, REFORM, ,
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Print News Coverage of the Supreme Court’s Arizona Redistricting Commission Decision Monday

Print News Coverage of the Supreme Court’s Arizona Redistricting Commission Decision Monday

By EditorJun 30, 2015
 Print News Coverage of the Supreme Court's Arizona Redistricting Commission Decision Monday SCOTUSBLOG: Chief Justices' Robert's broad stance on the meaning of "Legislature" in the Arizona Redistricting case versus a narrow reading of "Legislature" in his Affordable Care Act case dissent. NPR: Law Prof. Rick Hasen speaks to NPR about Chief Justice Robert's dissent and his doubts about whether nonpartisan commissions could ever be nonpartisan. NYT: On why independent redistricting commissions don't necessarily favor liberals. Slate: Rick Hasen on "Mindless literalist interpretations in the service of conservative causes," and how the Arizona decision undermines Bush v. Gore.
Redistricting Commissions,
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