Independent commission sets local hearing on redistricting

The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) is seeking resident participation in its first round of statewide public hearings beginning July 23 and continuing through Aug. 9.

A Maricopa hearing is set for 5 p.m. Friday, July 23, at the City of Maricopa Public Library, 18160 N. Maya Angelou Dr.

Information will be presented both in person and virtually about the redrawing of Arizona’s congressional and legislative districts. Public comment received during these meetings will be used by the IRC to help inform the drawing of new district boundaries. Commission Chair Erika Neuberg urges all Arizonans to attend one of the hearings to ensure their voices will be heard.

The commission will make decisions about Arizonans’ future voting districts over the next few months . Voting districts determine what district a resident will vote in for representation in the United States Congress and the Arizona State Legislature. Redistricting is necessary as it takes into account any population changes from the last 10 years and creates districts of equal population.

Maricopa is currently in the 1st Congressional and 11th Legislative districts.

Arizona voters passed Proposition 106 in the 2000 General Election, amending the Arizona Constitution to create a five-member commission to redraw congressional and legislative district boundaries based upon census data. The IRC is made up of two Democrats, two Republicans and an independent chair elected by the other commissioners. The chair may  not be a member of either party already represented on the Commission. Proposition 106 replaced the old process in which the state legislature established the districts.

The IRC public hearings are intended, in part, to solicit public input about communities of interest. There are forms available at the public hearings, and or on the IRC website, that can be used to define an area that should be considered a community of interest.

Persons with a disability may request reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter, by contacting Valerie Neumann at [email protected]. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

For information about the Independent Redistricting Commission or to submit electronic comments, visit www.IRC.AZ.gov.