AOTL Statement Opposing Efforts to Change Arizona’s Redistricting Process
Recently, Republicans legislators in the Arizona legislature introduced SCR 1018, a bill that would diminish minority representation in our state by restricting the population variation between legislative districts. Kendra Alvarez, Arizona State Director for All On The Line (AOTL), released the following statement opposing the proposed changes:
“At a time where states across the country are rife with gerrymandered maps that deny voters equal representation, Arizona’s Independent Redistricting Commission remains a model for the rest of the country. The Commission has drawn fair maps that ensure the diverse voices of communities across the state have representation in the state legislature and congressional delegation. Arizona’s fair redistricting process appears to pose a problem to conservative lawmakers, who are now pushing for changes that would dismantle representation for Hispanic and Native communities. It’s hard to see the potential consequences of this proposal as anything other than an attempt to diminish the voices of people who do not necessarily agree with the current leadership in the state.
“The proposed legislation, SCR 1018, is nothing more than a morally bankrupt and politically motivated attempt to latch onto power at the expense of minority communities. All On The Line cannot and will not stand for this effort to inject hyperpartisanship into what is already the gold standard for redistricting. We will work with our partners — and all Arizonans who demand a fair redistricting process — to fight this effort.”
Facts about SCR 1018:
The proposal’s population deviation requirements would severely harm minority representation in the state legislature and congressional delegation.
In fact, only nine of the state’s 30 legislative districts would comply with this restrictive regulation (+/- 2,500 from ideal).
The bill would mean that six out of the state’s seven majority Latino districts would have significantly reduced representation (LDs 2, 3, 4, 19, 27, and 30).
This proposal would also negatively affect LD7, the district with the highest Native American population.
###