AOTL Statement: AZ’S Independent Redistricting Commission Must Hold a Transparent Process
For Immediate Release:
January 21, 2021
Contact:
Molly Mitchell
mitchell@redistrictingaction.org
Statement from All on The Line: AZ’S Independent Redistricting Commission Must Hold a Transparent Process
IRC Hearings Must Be Accessible to All
With the selection of Erika Schupak Neuberg as the Chair and Derrick Watchman as Vice Chair of the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC), the commission is complete and the next phase of Arizona’s redistricting process begins. Hundreds of Arizonans submitted comments, concerns, and recommendations throughout the candidate evaluation process, and All On The Line (AOTL) applauds citizens from all backgrounds getting involved in the early stages of Arizona’s redistricting process. AOTL further commends the public servants that have stepped up to serve this commission and work towards fair maps.
“Though the Census data may be delayed, the Commission has critical work they must do in the coming days and weeks. The commissioners must begin to further their understanding of the state and its diverse communities, and work to fairly incorporate public feedback to ensure that our maps are fair and people-driven. Upon hiring qualified and effective staff, Commissioners should immediately start offering robust and accessible public hearings long before 2020 Census data reaches the state,” said Kendra Alvarez, AOTL Arizona State Director.
These early hearings have traditionally served to help new commissioners hear from Arizonans and understand the local communities and geographies that must be reflected in the maps. AOTL AZ remains committed to the work of encouraging public involvement in the map drawing process, and calls on the five commissioners of the IRC to demonstrate that they deserve the trust and faith of Arizona citizens by offering robust public hearings that are transparent and accessible to all Arizonans.
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All On The Line
All On The Line is on a mission to end gerrymandering because it contributes to the polarization and dysfunction in our political system. Since launching in 2019, we’ve built a grassroots volunteer organization ahead of the 2021 redistricting process. This work includes launching Redistricting U, a national, in-person training program designed to give individuals the knowledge, skills, and tools to take action on redistricting, a program that is now offered virtually. All On The Line is the grassroots campaign of the National Redistricting Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) affiliate of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee. For more information please visit: https://www.allontheline.org/