Redistricting Reform Principles

Congressional and legislative redistricting should advance the fundamental purposes of representative democracy and a republican form of government by affording the people a meaningful choice in electing their representatives and holding the government accountable to the people.

PRINCIPLES

Procedures for Redistricting

• Assign the redistricting power to an independent commission.
• Ensure the transparency of the process and a meaningful opportunity for interested parties and the public to participate effectively.
• Conduct redistricting once each decade, following the census, with a strict timeline for completion.

Standards for Redistricting (in rank order)

(1) Adhere to all Constitution and Voting Rights Act requirements.
(2) Promote competitiveness and partisan fairness.
(3) Respect political subdivisions and communities of interest.
(4) Encourage geographical compactness and respect for natural geographical
     features and barriers.