Assemblymember Michael Gianaris Introduces Redistricting Reform Legislation
Assemblymember Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria), a leader in efforts to reform state government, introduced legislation today to establish an independent commission to reapportion legislative districts. The creation of independent redistricting commissions is an issue of increasing national importance that is spawning similar efforts in California as well as other states.
The legislation, which has 20 Assembly sponsors, is endorsed by all of New York’s leading good government organizations including Citizens’ Union, NYPIRG, NYU’s Brennan Center, Common Cause/NY, and the League of Women Voters, as well as the Working Families Party.
"Average New Yorkers cannot influence the direction of their government without competitive elections," said Assemblymember Gianaris. "An independent redistricting commission is needed to restore the public’s faith in our democratic process."
In the most recent state legislative elections, 25% of incumbents were completely unopposed for re-election and more than half did not have opponents who raised more than $1,000.
Among the provisions of Assemblymember Gianaris’ legislation are a prohibition on the use of partisan considerations (such as party enrollment data) in the drawing of legislative districts and a requirement that redistricting commission members be truly independent and representative of the state geographically, racially, by gender and politically.
"Without a level playing field, voters looking for a choice on Election Day are out of luck," added Gianaris. "Removing politics from redistricting is a common-sense solution that will re-empower individual citizens and restore public confidence in state government."