Key facts
- New York Democrats propose a constitutional amendment to alter the redistricting process.
- The amendment would allow lawmakers to draw maps if the independent commission deadlocks.
- Maps could be approved by a simple majority vote and potentially redrawn mid-decade.
- The current ban on drawing districts for partisan advantage would be removed.
- Republicans oppose the plan, calling it an attempt to nullify voters' will.
New York Democrats are advancing a proposal to alter the state's redistricting process, potentially allowing state lawmakers to draw congressional maps themselves and redraw them mid-decade. This move comes as part of a broader national effort to influence the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The proposed constitutional amendment would grant lawmakers the ability to draw maps if the state's independent redistricting commission fails to reach an agreement. Such maps could be approved with a simple majority vote, a lower threshold than currently required. Court challenges related to maps would return to the Legislature instead of being handled by a court-appointed special master. The proposal also removes the current constitutional ban on drawing districts to favor or disfavor specific candidates or parties, while retaining provisions against weakening minority voting power and ensuring equal population and connectivity.
This initiative follows similar redistricting efforts by Republicans in Texas and Democrats in California, with other states also engaging in similar actions. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins defended the proposal, stating it is necessary to protect voters and counter Republican efforts to gain political advantage. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has reportedly involved Rep. Joe Morelle in coordinating with state officials on this matter. Republicans, including Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra and Rep. Mike Lawler, have voiced strong opposition, criticizing the plan as an attempt to circumvent voter intent and past court rulings that found previous Democrat-drawn maps to be unconstitutional partisan gerrymanders. They argue the current system already produces competitive districts and that voters in 2014 supported an independent commission.
Implementing a constitutional amendment in New York requires passage by the Legislature in two consecutive sessions, followed by voter approval. Therefore, the earliest this proposed change could impact election maps is for the 2028 elections. The legislative session is scheduled to conclude on June 4.