All On The Line: Arizona’s Independent Redistricting Commission Must Work with Public to Improve Draft Maps

For Immediate Release:
October 28, 2021

Contact:
Brian Gabriel
gabriel@redistrictingaction.org

Today, Kendra Alvarez, Arizona State Director of All On The Line, released the following statement in response to the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) submitting draft congressional and legislative maps for public review.

"The next 30 days of public comment will be critical in ensuring that the newly-released draft maps are truly fair and will serve the state for the next ten years. Though last week’s delay allowed commissioners and members of the public to give additional input on these drafts, there is still much work to be done on behalf of Arizona’s diverse communities. The extra time allotted before public review was only necessary because the draft maps were hastily created over a period of just a few weeks. During the November public hearings, ample opportunities for participation and transparency from all Arizona communities—especially those of color—will be an absolute must.

“We expect significant adjustments to these maps. These drafts do not include the Latino coalitions’ proposals, nor do they incorporate input from proposed legislative maps submitted by several Arizona indigenous communities.  Over the next month, we will be working with communities to demand fair maps that truly represent the entire state.

“We continue to call on the IRC to ensure that all Arizonans have the opportunity to make their voices heard. Fair and constitutional maps should take priority over meeting the artificial deadlines the IRC has established. All On The Line will closely monitor developments to ensure that the maps receive necessary changes and adequately address all federal and state constitutional criteria.”

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