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The Ethics of Redistricting

A gubernatorial panel created to propose ethics reforms has recommended revisions to Virginia laws on redistricting, as well as an amendment to the state Constitution that would revise the way legislative districts are drawn.  The Governor’s Commission to Ensure Integrity and Public Confidence in State Government left no doubt that it considers the current process to be overtly partisan and unfair.

The panel’s proposal for creation of an independent redistricting commission calls for passage of a state constitutional amendment.  Any changes to state law or to the Virginia Constitution would require General Assembly approval.

The new redistricting criteria would include racial and ethnic fairness, and compact, contiguous districts that do not split precincts and political subdivisions.  Co-chair and former Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling said they also forbid the use of political data and election results that help partisans pick their voters.

“If you’re utilizing political data, then there’s always going to be a temptation to say:  ‘Does this district benefit Republicans?  Does it benefit Democrats?  Does it benefit the incumbent?  Does it make a district more competitive for a challenger?’ Those are the kinds of things that we think should NOT be utilized.”

A new, independent commission would draw the lines.  Bipartisan House and Senate leaders would choose four members, while the fifth would be chosen by the commission—or by the state Supreme Court’s chief justice if there’s a deadlock.  

The panel’s proposal for creation of an independent redistricting commission calls for passage of a state constitutional amendment.  Any changes to state law or to the Virginia Constitution would require General Assembly approval.

 

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