Supporters of a November ballot amendment on redistricting say the amendment will help prevent rampant partisan gerrymandering when the next district lines are drawn in the New York Senate and Assembly. The groups Citizens Union and League of Women Voters are making voters aware of the amendment and giving them reasons why voters should approve the measure.
Citizen’s Union Executive Director Dick Dadey says the amendment creates a new 10 member commission that would draw the new Senate and Assembly lines, based on several specific principles of fairness and then present them to the legislature for an up or down vote. He says voters should “seize” the chance to change the balance of power in the Senate and Assembly.
“New Yorkers have a once in a half-century opportunity,” Dadey said. “It’s rare in politics when voters are given the opportunity to take power away from the legislature.”
Opponents, including the reform groups NYPIRG and Common Cause, say the changes aren’t good enough, and would still give lawmakers ultimate authority to redraw the lines to their liking. The groups say a yes vote would enshrine those rights into the state’s constitution.
