Redistricting
Current Events
Summary of the current situation:
Challenge of the IRC by Governor Jan Brewer and the Arizona State Senate:
On Tuesday, November 1st, Arizona State Senators voted 21 to 6 (along party lines) to remove Chairwoman Colleen Mathis from the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission. The Arizona Constitution allows the governor to seek removal of any commissioner whom she finds guilty of "gross misconduct." Governor Brewer has officially accused Chairwoman Mathis of this.
But it seems that Republicans fueled the effort because they don't like the draft maps that the commission has produced, especially the proposed new congressional map.
IRC attorneys attempted to block the Senate's action through the Arizona Supreme Court on Tuesday, but they arrived too late for the Court to intervene. Instead, the IRC decided to petition the court to allow Mathis to remain as commission chair.
Because Chairwoman Mathis has officially been impeached, it could set the AIRC's map-drawing progress back months.
It also sets a precedent for challenging the Commission's independence--going against the will of Arizona voters, who overwhelmingly voted to keep politicians out of the process with Proposition 106 in 2000.
News coverage of Gov. Brewer's attack on the IRC:
The Huffington Post (11/3/11): Jan Brewer, Arizona Governor, Criticized For Travel During Redistricting Chair's Ousting
The Arizona Republic (11/2/11): Arizona redistricting chief ousted
The Huffington Post (11/2/11): Colleen Coyle Mathis, Ousted Arizona Redistricting Chief, Remains Silent But Plans Court Challenge
The New York Times (11/2/11): Arizona Governor and Senate Oust Redistricting Leader
NPR (11/2/11): Head Of Ariz. Redistricting Commission Fired
Politico (11/2/11): Colleen Mathis impeachment sets off legal firestorm in Arizona redistricting fight
Map draft progress:
On Tuesday, October 11, 2011, the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission approved draft Congressional and Legislative District maps.
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission has released its schedule for the public review of legislative and congressional draft maps. This is the stage in the process that comes after the draft maps have been completed and before they are submitted to the United States Department of Justice.
We strongly encourage your input at these public outreach meetings. Community feedback on the newly drafted congressional and legislative districts is vital.
To give your input to the Commission, you can submit a "Request to Speak" form to speak live at the hearing.
Get the full list of local meetings here!
View the current maps:
Printable Legislative District draft map (PDF)
Street-level Legislative District draft map (Google Maps; click to zoom in)
Printable Congressional District draft map (PDF)
Street-level Congressional District draft map (Google Maps; click to zoom in)
What are the major parties saying about the current draft maps?
Republicans:
Gov. Jan Brewer has called the Congressional draft map “a travesty,” “gerrymandering at its worst,” and “every Democrat’s dream.” Senators Jon Kyl and John McCain called the work of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission “political” and “very disappointing.” Releasing similar statements were the bulk of the Republican members of the House as well as State House speaker, Andy Tobin, who said the redistricting process had been “hijacked” (Marc Lacey, The New York Times). Many Republican and Tea Party members have attended the public meetings, claiming to speak for minority communities' "interests."
Democrats:
Luis Heredia, Executive Director of the Democratic Party, has expressed dismay that the Legislative District draft map seems to include only four competitive districts (out of a possible 30). He stated in a press release on October 10, 2011:
“The legislative draft map adopted today by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission lacks competitive districts and is a giant step backward, as drawn. Without more competition, extremists will continue to get elected and will discourage independent voters from having any say in Arizona's future.
"Voters want competition, but politicians want the status quo. We call on this commission to side with voters instead of politicians. After all, it's the voters who will be stuck with the consequences for the next 10 years. During the 30-day public comment period, we strongly urge citizens to make their voices heard and tell this commission that competition is good for Arizona.”
Are these draft maps fair and competitive?
The Congressional District draft map proposes four districts that are likely to vote strongly Republican, two that would favor Democrats and three that would be "competitive," or not clearly biased toward one party or the other.
The Legislative District draft map seems to include only four competitive districts (out of a possible 30), and by Commissioner Herrera's count, shows 16 solidly Republican districts.
This is not ideal. We need your help to convince the Commission that they can do better in creating fair and competitive Congressional and Legislative maps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is redistricting, and why should our community care?
Redistricting is the once-in-a-decade opportunity to redraw the State’s legislative and congressional districts. This single act may do more to influence the make-up of the Legislature and its agenda over the next 10 years than all of the elections during that period combined. Every single policy issue is affected by who is elected to the Legislature, and every single legislative election for the next decade is affected by redistricting. It’s that simple.
Arizona’s Redistricting Process will be governed by the Redistricting Commission. Those communities that actively participate in the redistricting process will have more power to shape the state than ever before; those that do not will allow others to decide who will represent them for the next decade.
What is the Independent Redistricting Commission?
The Commission's mission is to administer the fair and balanced redistricting of the Congressional and Legislative districts for the State of Arizona. The Commission consists of five members: two Democrats, two Republicans, and one Independent or third party member. The Commission was selected in early 2011.
Click here to get instant notification of all future Redistricting Commission Hearings.
Sign up at the bottom of this page to find out how redistricting affects your area and to receive updates about what is happening with the IRC maps.
Brief video explaining the 2011 AZ redistricting process
Here are some of the resources mentioned in the video:
Visit the Arizona Redistricting Website.
To sign up for updates and learn more, click here.