Politicians Should Not Pick Their Voters Democrats Move To Gut NY Redistricting Protections

Every 10 years, following the federal census, congressional and legislative district lines are redrawn to reflect population changes. Most New Yorkers probably don’t spend much time thinking about the process, nor should they have to. The rules are supposed to be fair, transparent and designed to ensure voters choose their elected officials. The redistricting provisions enshrined in our state constitution were created to protect that principle.

Unfortunately, Albany Democrats have taken a major step toward changing that.

This week, the Assembly approved the first passage of a proposed constitutional amendment that would considerably alter New York’s redistricting process. If approved again by the next Legislature and then ratified by voters in a statewide referendum, it would allow mid-decade congressional redistricting, eliminate constitutional language prohibiting partisan gerrymandering and make it easier for politicians to take control of drawing political maps.

This is not a new idea for Albany Democrats; their appetite for greater political control did not begin with this week’s vote. In 2014, voters approved the creation of an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) to affirm a fair, independent process for drawing political boundaries. Democrats attempted to alter the IRC process in 2021, but voters rejected their efforts to manipulate election laws in their favor. Three strikes would seem enough for most people. Albany Democrats are determined to prove that the fourth time’s the charm.

Why does this matter and why should you be concerned? Because politicians drawing districts is like letting students grade their own exams or allowing a company to conduct its own independent audit. This amendment replaces independent oversight with political self-interest. It replaces neutrality with a system that neuters fair elections. Politicians want to be able to choose their voters when it should be the other way around.

The constitutional amendment approved this week is only the first step. It must pass the Legislature again in 2027 before being presented to voters for final approval. If that happens, New Yorkers will ultimately decide whether they want to preserve independent redistricting or hand more control over the process to Albany politicians and One-Party Rule. Voters deserve that choice, and I trust they will recognize what is at stake.

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, Assemblyman Will Barclay, on Facebook or X at @WillABarclay.