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Learning how to redraw districts
A couple weeks ago Arizona’s redistricting commission shifted gears in a significant way. They’ve begun the part of the process where they are asking members of the public to come to meetings and tell the commission what sort of districts they want.
Playing catch-up: Despite slow start, IRC targets fall map completion
The Independent Redistricting Commission was crafted to give the power to draw political maps to an appointed panel, free from political shackles. But now months behind the pace set by the previous IRC, there is a very real possibility that the job may fall to a panel of federal judges.
Senate approves measure restricting Spanish-language voting information
The Senate approved legislation on Monday mandating that government documents, including all voting materials except the actual ballot, be published in English.
Justice Department to monitor municipal elections
The U.S. Justice Department says it will send workers to monitor Maricopa County's upcoming municipal elections.
Four IRC members meet, delay choosing chairman
The four newly sworn-in members of the Independent Redistricting Commission met for the first time on Feb. 24, then stalled in choosing a chairman from a slate of five independents.
Dumping a Burden: Counties pick right time to challenge voting-rights strictures
In two Arizona counties, the civil rights movement may soon be giving way to a new era, one in which elections officials don’t need the federal government’s permission to make such mundane administrative changes as moving polling places or changing voter-registration deadlines.
No redistricting commission yet, but maneuvering under way
Even though Arizona’s Independent Redistricting Commission members have yet to be chosen, some groups already are preparing for the inevitable tug-of-maps to come in the rearranging of Arizona’s congressional and legislative districts.
Delay in tax referral may cause election complications
If lawmakers are going to put Gov. Jan Brewer's temporary tax hike proposal on the November ballot, they may want to do it soon. Maricopa County must order the paper for its ballots by July 16 in order to comply with the 26-day early-voting period mandated by Arizona law, according to Maricopa County Elections Director Karen Osborne. The orders can be placed past the deadline, she said, but eac[...]
Court gives AZ option to bail out of key voting rights section
The U.S. Supreme Court this week narrowly interpreted a key section of the Voting Rights Act, giving Arizona municipalities and government entities the ability to apply for exemptions from what would otherwise be strict Justice Department oversight of election practices.
