VA Redistricting Commission Implodes as Three Commissioners Walk Out

VA Redistricting Commission Implodes as Three Commissioners Walk Out

By EditorOct 08, 2021
On Friday, the VA Redistricting Commission's Democratic co-chair Greta Harris, called it quits and walked out of the public meeting of the commission flanked by two more citizen commissioners. The remaining members and staff were left visibly stunned. Watch the video of Harris' resignation and the aftermath below. As of this writing, it is not clear if the Commission will have a quorum to meet on Saturday as scheduled since some members appeared to hold out hope that Harris and the others might return. In the event that they do not, the State Supreme Court would step in after a…
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NJ Supreme Court Selects 13th Congressional Commission Member after Commissioners Deadlock

NJ Supreme Court Selects 13th Congressional Commission Member after Commissioners Deadlock

By EditorAug 08, 2021
The New Jersey Supreme Court selected former Supreme Court Justice John E. Wallace, Jr. as the tiebreaking member of the Congressional Redistricting Commission. The 13-member NJ Redistricting Commission is responsible for redrawing congressional districts.  The appointed members of the commission were unable to agree on who to select as the independent 13th member before a mid-July deadline, and were required by state law to forward the two candidates who received the highest number of votes to the State Supreme Court. The Supreme Court was tasked with selecting the "more qualified" of the two selections by majority vote of its full authorized membership…
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New York State Officials Sued Over Funding for Redistricting Commission

New York State Officials Sued Over Funding for Redistricting Commission

By EditorMar 09, 2021
The controversy over funding of the New York Redistricting Commission has come to a head as two individuals sue the governor and other state officials over the impasse. One plaintiff is a former candidate for the state legislature and the other, a member of the commission itself. They challenge the decision to provide funding for the commission through a third-party organization as opposed to a direct appropriation, which they claim is required by the state constitutional provision establishing the commission. This is the latest in a months-long saga for the commission that began when funds were not appropriated to the…
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2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission Makes Historic Hire with First Latino Executive Director

2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission Makes Historic Hire with First Latino Executive Director

By EditorMar 04, 2021
Press Release: SACRAMENTO, CA (Feb. 25, 2021) —Today, the 2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission) confirmed Interim Executive Director Álvaro E. Hernández as its permanent Executive Director. Mr. Hernandez becomes the first Latino to serve in this post in a state where 40% of the population is Latino. The announcement was made upon reconvening from a closed session. “The Commission is thrilled to announce the hiring of Álvaro E. Hernández as its permanent Executive Director,” stated Chair Pedro Toledo. “Mr. Hernández’ promotion recognizes the Commission’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Mr. Hernández created the comprehensive outreach plan immediately upon…
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California Redistricting Commission Launches Communities of Interest Tool

California Redistricting Commission Launches Communities of Interest Tool

By EditorMar 03, 2021
PRESS RELEASE 2020 California Citizens Redistricting CommissionLaunches Communities of Interest Tool SACRAMENTO, CA—Today, the 2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission) and the California Statewide Database announced the launch of the Communities of Interest (COI) input tool, designed to make it easier for Californians to participate in the redistricting process. Every 10 years, after the federal government publishes updated census information, California must redraw the boundaries of its Congressional, State Senate, State Assembly, and State Board of Equalization districts so that the state’s population is evenly allocated among the new districts. When the Commission creates new districts, it must follow certain…
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California Redistricting Commission Parts with Executive Director

California Redistricting Commission Parts with Executive Director

By EditorFeb 23, 2021
In a Feb. 18 press release, the Commission advised that it had accepted Executive Director Daniel Claypool's, resignation after a closed meeting on the 16th. No further details were given on the reason for Claypool's departure, but the portion of the meeting on the 16th that was publicly aired included a rather lengthy and robust discussion about the commission's outreach budget. You can view the meeting below. The discussion begins at 3:42. https://youtu.be/4qAAb9NW6sk Here is the relevant text of the press release: 2020 California Citizens Redistricting CommissionAccepts Resignation of Executive Director SACRAMENTO, CA—Today, the 2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission)…
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Redistricting Commissions are Now in a Majority of States

Redistricting Commissions are Now in a Majority of States

By EditorFeb 22, 2021
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. AlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoHawaiiIdahoMichiganMissouriMontanaNew JerseyOhioPennsylvaniaWashingtonSome but not all of these commissions listed have authority over “both” congressional and legislative maps. Advisory or Backup Commissions Advisory commissions go through the…
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Maryland Governor Creates Citizens Redistricting Commission

Maryland Governor Creates Citizens Redistricting Commission

By EditorJan 31, 2021
Gov. Larry Hogan announced that he would establish The Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission to redraw the state's congressional and state legislative boundaries. The application period for members of the public to apply to be on the commission is now open. The commission will consist of 3 members appointed by the governor and 6 members of the public who are selected by the initial three after applying through the application process. The governor's appointees are Judge Alexander Williams (democrat), Walter Olsen (Republican), and Dr. Kathleen Hetherington (Independent). Williams is a retired Judge of the United States District Court for the District…
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