News: Redistricting changes advance

Santa Fe New Mexican, Legislative Update – A legislative committee narrowly approved an initiative that would change the way the state chooses an independent redistricting committee and remove the Legislature from the controversial process of drawing new election districts for legislative and congressional seats.
The House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee voted 5-4 to advance House Joint Resolution 9 to the House Appropriations and Finance Committee. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. [Natalie] Figueroa, D-Albuquerque, is an effort to take politics out of the redistricting effort. Under a provision in HJR 9, maps approved by the redistricting commission would go directly to the Secretary of State’s Office for ratification. [READ MORE]