AOTL Arizona Calls on IRC to Make Future Redistricting Hearings More Accessible

For Immediate Release:
August 10, 2021
Contact:
Fabiola Rodriguez
rodriguez@redistrictingaction.org

AOTL Arizona Calls on IRC to Make Future Redistricting Hearings More Accessible 

Public input hearings should be made widely available and accessible to understand the needs of communities of color in the state   

This week, the Arizona Independent Redistricting Committee (IRC) concluded the first round of hearings of its “listening tour.” Ahead of future redistricting hearings, All On The Line Arizona is calling on the IRC to make hearings more transparent, well-advertised, and accessible to communities of color in the state. 

“Redistricting is a foundational government process that deeply impacts policy, the distribution of resources, and will determine our political landscape for the next decade. Every Arizonan has the right to know when redistricting hearings are scheduled, how to participate in them, have the accessibility to a nearby hearing location, and be clearly aware of translation and interpretation services. During the first round of IRC hearings, indigenous communities in our state were unaware of hearing date changes because the IRC relied exclusively on internet communications; hearings were not held in majority-Latino areas of the state; and non-English speakers were not provided with thorough explanation on how to access translation services. There shouldn’t be barriers in the way of individuals interested in participating or giving testimony in this decade’s redistricting process,” said Kendra Alvarez, Arizona All On The Line State Director. 
 
“To continue living up to its promise of redistricting reform, the IRC must commit to providing Arizonans equal opportunity to testify before the committee. AOTL along with our partners will continue working to ensure there is a fair and transparent process that results in equitable maps where both parties must compete for voters,” continued Alvarez. 
 

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