In N.Y., The Threat To Democracy Comes From Within

  Political theatrics are common in Albany. And regrettably, blatant hypocrisy is never too far behind. New Yorkers got a healthy dose of both this week, as Gov. Hochul claimed she is prepared to “fight for democracy” by taking the most un-democratic action imaginable.

While hosting Texas Democrats who abandoned their posts to avoid participating in a legislative session at home, the governor stated she’s ready to eliminate the voter-approved Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC), the body responsible for drawing the state’s election district lines. In effect, Gov. Hochul would rather create the state’s election maps through a single political party, rather than an independent panel. That shameful step would send a clear message to the people of New York: “Your voice doesn’t matter.”

“Redistricting” is the process by which Congressional, Senate, and Assembly district maps are redrawn every 10 years to account for population shifts within the state. For decades, the Legislature controlled that process. It was a flawed system that often produced maps deeply driven by political interests. To address this, in 2014, New Yorkers went to the polls and voted overwhelmingly to change the state constitution and create the IRC, transferring map-drawing responsibilities to an independent body.

The IRC was created to ensure “the voice of the voters of New York is both reflected and protected.” At its core, the amendment championed “fair and open elections” and set a national standard for independent redistricting. So why is New York’s own governor trying to undermine that?

Beyond suggesting that the IRC be eliminated, Democrats introduced legislation to allow New York to redraw its congressional lines mid-decade if other states do the same. Essentially stating: If another state changes its maps, New York will “retaliate” by reworking its own, as if the goal is to out-gerrymander the competition to preserve Democratic power. But as Rachael Fauss, senior policy advisor for Reinvent Albany, stated, “We fundamentally don’t think that New York is going to save American democracy by gerrymandering.”

But let’s be clear, New York Democrats haven’t needed actions in other states to justify changing the rules in the middle of the game. Over the years, election laws in our state have been brazenly revised in ways to strengthen One-Party Rule. Based on statements this week, we may be headed down a very dangerous road – one that openly disregards the will of the people and the principles of democracy.

If you have any questions or comments on this or any other state issue, or if you would like to be added to my mailing list or receive my newsletter, please contact my office. My office can be reached by mail at 19 Canalview Mall, Fulton, NY 13069 and by email at [email protected]. You may also find me, Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, on Facebook or Twitter at @WillABarclay.