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IRC pondering legislative changes
The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission is considering a handful of changes to its legislative map, including proposals that would add another competitive district.
GOP commissioner seeks to dismantle competitive district, make changes to congressional map
A major overhaul of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission’s congressional map would eliminate Maricopa County’s centerpiece district and drastically shift the lines in rural Arizona.
IRC maps on agenda for final OK
Agendas for the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission’s meetings for the week now include the possible approval of its new maps, and the final vote could come within the next few weeks.
Challenges to political district maps will face a high hurdle
The independent panel tasked with drawing new political lines that the state will use for the next decade is expecting to wrap up its work in the next few weeks, despite opposition from many of the Republicans that control state government.
Remember to show your work
At yesterday’s IRC meeting, Voting Rights Act consultant Bruce Adelson repeatedly emphasized that DOJ likes to see a lot of debate and discussion about Voting Rights Act districts when contemplating preclearance for new maps.
Redistricting commission to hear from legislators
Arizona's redistricting commission is trying to line up briefings by state legislators for next week to hear their views on proposed draft legislative and congressional maps now being retooled by the commission.
Stertz: I don’t trust Mathis
Despite that minimal sign of reconciliation, Stertz told our reporter this morning that he doesn’t trust Mathis. When asked if he trusted the chair, he paused a moment before answering: “No. I’m waiting for actions. Actions speak louder than words.”
Fractured IRC gets back to work
After winning an Arizona Supreme Court battle against a Republican governor and Senate that ordered her removal, reinstated Independent Redistricting Commission Chairwoman Colleen Mathis is facing the immediate challenge of leading a commission that has fractured down party lines.
Brewer: No special session without “clear path to victory” at the ballot
Gov. Jan Brewer today said she won’t call a special legislative session to either repeal or reform the independent redistricting process, despite calls from some lawmakers that she do so this week.
The governor’s emphatic statement, which was released after she met with House Speaker Andy Tobin and Senate President Steve Pierce, means the chances of lawmakers convening by tomorrow t[...]
Arizona redistricting panel to resume mapping work
Arizona's redistricting commission plans Tuesday to resume work on new maps of congressional and legislative districts now that the Arizona Supreme Court has undone Gov. Jan Brewer's attempt to fire the commission's chair.
Redistricting special election could have preclearance problems
Even if Republican lawmakers and Gov. Jan Brewer can reach an agreement on a Feb. 28 special election on redistricting, the U.S. Department of Justice may still keep the proposed repeal of the Independent Redistricting Commission off the ballot.
Special session prospects look bleak for Prop. 106 repeal
With the deadline for getting a measure on the Feb. 28 ballot looming, the prospects for a special session to refer Proposition 106 back to the ballot seemed bleak.
