David Mehl
Redistricting commission aims to finish maps by late December
Arizonans will see the final versions of their new legislative and congressional maps shortly before Christmas under a schedule the Independent Redistricting Commission adopted, with the caveat that things could still stretch into January due to a pandemic-induced delay in the census data it needs to draw the new boundaries. The commission voted on Monday […]
New census privacy formula could affect redistricting, but opinions differ
A new effort by the U.S. Census Bureau to protect people’s privacy could make it harder for the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission to draw districts primarily composed of people of color that will withstand litigation under the Voting Rights Act.
Redistricting commission prepares to begin state tour, but dates uncertain and delay likely
The start of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission’s statewide listening tour could be pushed back as it finalizes details and sorts out details on when it can hold meetings in areas where public gatherings are still limited due to COVID-19.
Redistricting commission divided on inviting legislative leaders
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission is split on whether to invite Democratic and Republican leaders from the legislature to address the commission, with a majority of members leaning against it.
Redistricting commission will give mapping consultants time to respond to comments, criticism
Before the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission chooses the mapping consultant that will help turn its proposed district boundaries into reality, it wants to give the three finalists an opportunity to respond to the criticism that’s been leveled at them.
Redistricting commission chooses Democratic, Republican attorneys
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission unanimously selected separate Democratic and Republican law firms to serve as its legal counsel, avoiding a key pitfall that opened an irreparable rift on the commission a decade ago and set the stage for months of partisan acrimony.
Redistricting commission narrows search for legal counsel
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission chose four finalists to serve as its legal counsel, and in the process jettisoned the state’s procurement process, giving it wider latitude to choose the attorneys of its choice.
Redistricting Commission chooses city council aide as executive director
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission made its first staffing decision and saw its first notable partisan split, hiring Brian Schmitt, chief of staff to a Republican Phoenix City Council member.
Finalists announced for redistricting panel’s top staffer
A Phoenix City Council aide, the head of a statewide regulatory board, an Arizona Commerce Authority vice president, a longtime staffer for elected officials or a former Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission staffer will be the executive director for the panel that will draw Arizona’s new legislative and congressional districts.
Redistricting commission selects finalists for executive director position
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission has selected five finalists to be its executive director and will conduct interviews at its next meeting.
Another delay in critical census data threatens redistricting
A newly announced delay in the census data states rely on to draw new congressional and legislative districts seems certain to push back the work of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, which could leave Arizonans and the candidates they’ll be voting for waiting until after the new year to find out what districts they’ll be in.
Redistricting commission interviews chair candidates in first meeting
The first and perhaps most important decision that the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission makes will have to wait.