REDISTRICTING
What is
Redistricting?
Redistricting is the process by which new congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn. In 2021, voting district lines will be redrawn to determine who represents the people in our communities and our state.
The Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC):
In Arizona, the IRC is responsible for redistricting, not the legislature.
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The AZ IRC is a Commision made up of two Republicans, two Democrats and an Independent Chair.
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The 5 commissioners are David Mehl (R), Douglas York (R), Shereen Lerner (D), Derrick Watchman (D), Erica Schupak Neuberg (Independent Chair)
The Voting Rights Act (VRA):
Section 2 of the VRA of 1965 is a nationwide prohibition against voting standards, practices and procedures that discriminate on the basis of race, color or membership in a language minority group.
Communities of Interest (COI):
A COI is not formally defined at the state or federal level but is generally defined as a group of people with a common set of concerns and interests that should be represented in a single district for the purpose of ensuring fair and effective representation
Arizona Redistricting Criteria
In addition to the federal requirements of one person, one vote and the Voting Rights Act, Arizona’s state constitution requires that state legislative and congressional districts:
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Be compact and contiguous
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Preserve communities of interest
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Respect geographic features
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Do not protect incumbent candidates
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Do not consider party affiliation and voting history
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Favor competitive districts when do so would cause no detriment to the other criteria
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission has approved congressional and legislative draft maps. Explore these draft maps and the draft development history by clicking the maps. You can make your voice heard on the draft maps during a 30-day public comment period. You can view a list of upcoming public hearings, fill out a public comment form, or register to speak at a virtual town hall here.
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The IRC has announced its final decision meeting schedule. During these final mapping development meetings, the Commission will take into consideration the six Constitutional criteria, all comments submitted orally, virtually, and in writing, and the maps submitted by the public, to draw the final district lines that will determine our representation for the next TEN years.
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Follow the IRC on their social media channels!
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Sign up for the IRC newsletter for redistricting updates
Submit a public comment directly to the IRC now advocating for a redistricting process that is accessible and transparent, is done with meaningful public input and that takes into account communities of interest and empowers them.
Follow the IRC on
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The Independent Redistricting Commission will be holding its last week of public hearings, with the FINAL hearing on December 4th in South Tucson. View the complete schedule here to see where you can provide your testimony virtually or in person. It is our last chance to stand make sure our Commissioners here from us! We must come together and advocate for fair districts that will define our communities for the next ten years.
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Final decision-making meetings on the Congressional and Legislative district maps have been set for Dec. 6, 9, 16, 17, 20, 21 and 22. The Commission will have seven days of deliberations to finalize the maps.
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The Commission is set to adopt its final plans on December 22nd.
