Redistricting Commission Fails its Core Mission, Threatens Creation of Fair District Maps

New York, NY-This afternoon, the bipartisan New York State Independent Redistricting Commission released two sets of draft maps after failing to reach a bipartisan agreement. The maps detail the districts for New York’s congressional and state representative seats. With the Democrats holding a very narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, these maps will have a national impact. These drafts are not final, and the commission will be conducting 14 hearings across the state to solicit feedback from New Yorkers about the plans. 

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:

“Immigrant community members and other stakeholders took time off work to attend commission hearings across the state to share their concerns about the impact of unfair districts on their families and communities. Today, the commission delivered a slap in the face to these concerned community members by failing to present New Yorkers with one draft map inclusive of public input. The release of two maps creates confusion and negates the entire purpose of having an independent commission.

This commission was created to put politics aside and build the fairest maps possible. That this commission could not even come to a consensus on the first draft of its maps leaves us with deep concerns about its ability to draw fair maps and ensure fair representation.”

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