Voter referendum; independent redistricting commission. (SB1133)

Introduced By

Sen. Monty Mason (D-Williamsburg)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Voter referendum; independent redistricting commission. Provides for a statewide referendum on the question of whether the General Assembly should adopt a resolution to propose an amendment to the Constitution of Virginia that would establish an independent redistricting commission to create and propose redistricting plans for House of Delegates, Senate of Virginia, and congressional districts. The results would be advisory only and are intended only to demonstrate the preference of the citizens of the Commonwealth on the manner in which electoral districts are created. The referendum would be held at the November 2017 general election. Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/09/2017Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/11/17 17102827D
01/09/2017Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections
01/26/2017Impact statement from DPB (SB1133)
01/27/2017Impact statement from DPB (SB1133)
01/31/2017Reported from Privileges and Elections (11-Y 2-N) (see vote tally)
01/31/2017Rereferred to Finance
02/02/2017Passed by indefinitely in Finance (16-Y 0-N) (see vote tally)

Comments

ACLU-VA Voting Rights, tracking this bill in Photosynthesis, notes:

The ACLU of Virginia supports redistricting legislation that is independent, non-partisan, and that adheres to fair and equal representation for all, upholding the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of equality, “one-person, one vote.” Additionally, redistricting legislation must comply with the Constitution’s and the Voting Rights Act’s prohibition on the use of plans that result in diluting minority voting strength. Communities of color, in particular, have faced numerous obstacles to meaningful participation in the political process, including the redistricting process. Legislators should ensure these communities’ effective involvement and equal opportunity in the political process and the ability to elect candidates of choice. Legislators should recognize that every voter has a vital stake in the outcome of their community’s redistricting by supporting proposals that uphold these principles. Voters must feel welcome to participate meaningfully in redistricting through a collaborative process with lawmakers, redistricting experts, various groups and organizations to draw and analyze plans. Redistricting legislation should require and promote transparency, such as a mandatory report detailing the process and bases for decisions.

Eva King writes:

I strongly support this bill! The current heavy gerrymandering of districts is undemocratic, and leads to hyper-partisanship. Fair and independent redistricting is necessary to save our democracy.