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