Redistricting Chaos

Proposal One on Tuesday’s ballot is a redistricting proposition that could actually make things worse in Albany. It would establish a commission on Assembly, Senate, and Congressional districts to be appointed entirely by the State Legislature’s leadership or their proxies. It should be rejected.

New York has long been faulted for having one of the most dysfunctional state legislatures in the United States. This measure would cement that dubious distinction by concentrating additional power among those with an overwhelming interest in keeping things the way they are. Voting districts would be set by the 10-member commission, which would be dominated by people handpicked by the Senate’s and Assembly’s majority and minority leaders. This would leave in place the tradition of insider horse-trading in the state capital, reducing to nearly zero the chances of district lines being drawn to accurately represent changing demographics.

New York State should have a thoroughly independent redistricting process. Approving this proposal would lock in an unfair system, creating partisan gridlock if and when meaningful district changes were necessary. Real reform would be just about impossible. Vote no.