New York State Redistricting Hearings

Fellow Citizens,

We deserve a fair redistricting process! What we receive are gerrymandered districts to minimize the effect of our vote. Now is the time to speak out!

The NY State Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (AKA LATFOR) is holding hearings around New York State on the proposed district maps for the New York State Senate and Assembly districts.

To find when a hearing will be held in your area, go here and find the hearing in your area (some will be in the past). Click on the notice for your area to see time and location (all of them were posted on January 25 – this is not when the hearings themselves take place).

There are a number of criticisms regarding the proposed districts. One is that the maximum population deviation per district, 5%, is being used to maximize upstate (generally Republican) representation in the State Senate, and to maximize downstate (generally Democratic) representation in the Assembly. See the following links (generally, the higher the district’s number, the further “upstate” a district is):

State Assembly proposed district population deviations

State Senate proposed district population deviations

Gerrymandering undermines our democracy by creating districts with predictable outcomes based on voters’ party enrollment and other demographics. It systemically ensures those in power remain in power, a practice that elected officials in both Republican and Democratic parties are guilty of.

One possible alternative is creating an ‘independent commission’ for the creation of redistricting maps. Another alternative is the use of redistricting software to create districts based on geographic and municipal boundaries (e.g. rivers and towns).

If you care about democracy and equal representation, here is how you can help:

1. EDUCATE YOURSELF:

Read ‘Redistricting in New York State (The case for an Independent commission)’.

Supplemental information on Gerrymandering and Redistricting is available here.

You can also watch the documentary “Gerrymandering” or play the Gerrymandering game!

2. ATTEND A REDISTRICTING HEARING:

To find when a hearing will be held in your area, go here and find the hearing in your area (some will be in the past). Click on the notice for your area to see time and location (all of them were posted on January 25 – this is not when the hearings themselves take place).

3. SIGN UP AND SPEAK AT THE HEARING:

If you are willing to speak for up to 5 minutes, you need to sign up ahead of time, and bring 10 copies of your 5 minute statement:

Link to Sign Up Sheets (same as hearing link): http://www.latfor.state.ny.us/hearings/

NOTE: LATFOR may ask you questions after your comments. Be prepared.

Many feel an independent redistricting commission is the solution. You may wish to refer to this resource.

4. SHOW SUPPORT:

If you are not willing to speak, but still able to attend, do so! We need to show LATFOR ‘we the people’ care and they are on notice!

Rochester, NY only – If you are attending the Rochester, NY hearing on 2/15 and not speaking, but support an independent commission, and willing to be named in front of LATFOR as a supporter of independent commissions, please email:

orelectoralreform@gmail.com

5. WRITE YOUR REPRESENTATIVES:

Whether you can or cannot attend the hearings, write your State Senator, State Assemblyperson, and Governor Cuomo today and ask them to help put a stop to the gerrymandering and undermining of our democracy.

Together we can make a difference. Now is the time!

Election reform bills in this year’s legislative session

There are five bills pending in the NYS legislature which are beneficial in terms of reforming election laws. We should make an effort to support these bills. I have included information on looking up bills online, as well as links to find contact information for your State Senator and Assemblyperson…