Drawing districts outside politics?

Rep. David Cote and Sen. David Pierce are both sponsoring bills that would create independent redistricting commissions.

Every ten years the state redraws voting districts according to the latest census data. There are guidelines the Legislature must follow in terms of district size, but politicians can still try to create districts that favor one party over another.

In 2012 the redistricting for the House of Representatives was so contentious, several towns sued the state over the plan. The New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled in the state’s favor.

The bills from Cote and Pierce – HB 1564 and SB 425 respectively – would give an independent commission the power to draft a redistricting plan. The commission would include appointees from the governor, the secretary of state, and others. The commission’s redistricting plan would still need approval from the state House and Senate.

Supporters argue that an independent redistricting commission would help ensure that future elected officials reflect the views of their constituents, not the views of one particular party.

Opponents of an independent redistricting commission argue that just because the members are appointed doesn’t mean politics won’t get involved. They argue the Legislature is better suited to redistricting because legislators have to answer directly to their constituents if the public disapproves of a redistricting plan.

Do you support an independent redistricting commission? Share your opinion in the comments below.