Some lawmakers are not giving up on reforming an independent commission tasked with shaping Arizona’s congressional districts. Two Republican lawmakers are planning to bring up legislation during the next session that would ask voters to reform the redistricting process. Sen. Jeff Dial, of Chandler, says he wants a ballot referral that would expand the five-member Independent Redistricting Commission to nine. “It’s a great time to have the discussion because we can both see that it’s not a great process, I believe, from my talks to Democrats,” Dial said.
Rep. Warren Petersen, of Gilbert, will also bring up a ballot referral, the Arizona Capitol Times reported late last week. But Petersen said his proposal will include some provisions used by other states. He is not planning on reprising a previous idea of adding a second independent to the panel.
“Since I ran that, I’ve had several discussions with people about that concept, and I think I’ve actually come up with something better that the citizens of Arizona will support,” Petersen said.
Full Article: Arizona GOP renews effort to reform redistricting process – ABC15 Arizona.