What Is Fair Redistricting?
Redistricting is the way new 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 gerrymandering.
The core tenets of redistricting reform in our state are based on findings of a statewide task force, organized in 2020 by the nonpartisan New Mexico First and co-chaired by two retired judges.
Among other things, the task force (comprised of Democrats, Republicans and Independents) called for:
The core tenets of redistricting reform in our state are based on findings of a statewide task force, organized in 2020 by the nonpartisan New Mexico First and co-chaired by two retired judges.
Among other things, the task force (comprised of Democrats, Republicans and Independents) called for:
- Treating communities fairly
- Authentically engaging the public in the redistricting process
- Requiring decisions to be reached in the open, not in closed caucuses focused on partisan advantage
What is the Citizen's Redistricting Committee
The State of New Mexico has a new law that establishes a seven-member independent redistricting commission, it was approved by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor. The enabling legislation, Senate Bill 304, addresses the process that will be used when a special session of the New Mexico Legislature meets later this year to vote on districts.
The seven-member committee was established through various appointments. Four committee members were selected by House and Senate leaders from both major parties. The State Ethics Commission appointed the chair and two members who are not affiliated with the Democratic or Republican parties. Retired state Supreme Court Justice Edward L. Chavez will serve as the committee chair. Other members include former Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, former state senator Lisa Curtis, Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca, State Demographer Robert Rhatigan, educator Joaquin Sanchez, former state Republican Party of New Mexico chairman Ryan Cangiolosi.
This process will start in August 2021 and will include two rounds of seven public meetings held around New Mexico. Residents will have the opportunity to submit redistricting maps for consideration by the committee. Final recommendations of the committee will be presented and considered as a part of a special session of the New Mexico Legislature. The final maps will be considered for approval by the Governor.
The seven-member committee was established through various appointments. Four committee members were selected by House and Senate leaders from both major parties. The State Ethics Commission appointed the chair and two members who are not affiliated with the Democratic or Republican parties. Retired state Supreme Court Justice Edward L. Chavez will serve as the committee chair. Other members include former Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez, former state senator Lisa Curtis, Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca, State Demographer Robert Rhatigan, educator Joaquin Sanchez, former state Republican Party of New Mexico chairman Ryan Cangiolosi.
This process will start in August 2021 and will include two rounds of seven public meetings held around New Mexico. Residents will have the opportunity to submit redistricting maps for consideration by the committee. Final recommendations of the committee will be presented and considered as a part of a special session of the New Mexico Legislature. The final maps will be considered for approval by the Governor.
