What's Next for Redistricting?

The legislature has gone around the state and listened to our thoughts on redistricting. Now, it is possible we can have another round of hearings to gather additional input. Legislators may be many things, but deaf they are not.

I was present at one of the listening sessions where the attendance was in the neighborhood of thirty people.  There was a break in the session and I had the opportunity to talk informally with the gentleman who was chairing the meeting. I suggested a way to go was to use zip codes to guide the process, which he acknowledged is a way that has been suggested.  I went on to comment to him that in order to meet all of the competing demands they are confronted with the legislature would need the wisdom of Solomon.  To which he responded, "Yes" and "My sword isn’t that sharp."

The argument is made that the legislators are reaching out to gain input on the redistricting process from their constituents.  We have heard that we all have access to the exact same program that will be ultimately used to draw the maps. There’s a problem or two with that idea.  Whatever I might put down is about as meaningful as nothing. I am not a demographer, I do not have the skill set need to do this job.  This is a job that demands a level of expertise that only a trained professional would have. A demographer has the training and experience to meet the numerous competing demands that the legislature is facing. I have to wonder, have the committees consulted demographers?  If so, what where the instructions the demographers where given?  If not, why hasn’t the legislature consulted trained professions who can provide meaningful assistance?

In my mind what should occur between now and Jan. 1 is to construct the maps. Back up the scheduled session of the legislature from Jan. 10 to say Jan. 24 or some other date.  On Jan. 10 there should be single purpose special session of the legislature where the only item on the table is redistricting.  Get it finished then.  

If we have redistricting included in the regular session of the legislature I fear that it will be March 9 at 11:30 p.m. before we see a bill passed.  There are of course any number of mandated reviews that will occur after passage.  

Realistically there will also be any number of challenges in the courts as well. These reviews and challenges have to take place in a highly compressed time frame. The legislature and the Governor can proactively move to reduce some of the pressure. The question is will they?