Redistrict
New Mexico
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Supporters of RedistrictNM.org
advocate for independent, trusted and fair redistricting |
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Supporters of RedistrictNM.org
advocate for independent, trusted and fair redistricting |
What is fair redistricting?Redistricting is the way voting boundaries are drawn, including for Congress, state legislatures, and (in NM) the Public Education Commission. When those boundaries are manipulated for political gain or to discriminate against certain groups, that's often called gerrymandering. Even when boundaries are not manipulated, lawmakers who draw district lines are placed in difficult conflicts of interest. They know the public overwhelming believes that voters should pick their lawmakers, rather than lawmakers picking their constituents. In New Mexico, 77% of likely voters support an Independent Redistricting Commission. The same poll indicated that most did not approve of the legislature’s performance in the 2021 redistricting cycle.
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NM Supreme Court offers a cross-partisan twist
July 6, 2023 Judge Kennedy talks policy on KKOB
Feb 1, 2023 Justice Ed Chavez and Heather Balas address HJR-1 on KANW-FM
Feb 6, 2023 |
What's happened in the 2023 legislative session?
The Legislature considered House Joint Resolution 1 (HJR-1), which would have constitutionally established an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) to draw fair voting boundaries every ten years. The IRC would handle the process for the specific elected offices: U.S. Congress, NM Senate, NM House and the NM Public Education Commission.
This bill would finish the reform process begun in 2022 by establishing an independent redistricting commission rather than an advisory one. This change would enable New Mexico to align with best practices nationally:
More importantly, passage of HJR 1 would have advanced voter trust during a time when partisanship and polarization have caused people to have less trust in our election process than ever before. The bill is expected to be re-introduced in 2024. Subscribe on this website for updates throughout the year. |
Do New Mexicans want independent redistricting?In addition to support from voters statewide, HJR 1 is endorsed by over forty state and national organizations from across the political spectrum – ranging from the conservative Save our Western Way of Life, to the Adelante Progressive Caucus, to New Mexico Open Elections (which advocates for Independent voters). Lead organizations engaged in the Fair Districts New Mexico coalition include the League of Women Voters of New Mexico, Election Reformers Network, Common Cause New Mexico, and New Mexico First.
If passed, HJR-1 would expand on the prior reform passed in 2021 that established the Citizen Redistricting Committee (CRC). This seven-member advisory group was established through various appointments, and it gathered public input regarding voting boundaries in New Mexico. However, it’s recommendations were only advisory. Current state law allowed NM House and Senate members to amend the maps, which they did for various reasons. |
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Upcoming Events
House Judiciary Committee
HJR-1's last hearing was in House Judiciary on February 20. Rep. Andrea Romero was the only member of the committee not to vote to kill the bill by tabling it. Voters may email the lawmakers below to share their opinions on redistricting reform.
Additional information, including regular updates is available in the News section of this website. Research materials, including reports and evaluations of New Mexico's past redistricting efforts, are available in the Resource section of this site. |
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