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What is Gerrymandering?
Gerrymandering is when politicians manipulate the boundaries of electoral districts to give an unfair advantage to a particular political party or group.
What are the main goals of this amendment?
This amendment aims to stop gerrymandering and ensure that electoral districts are drawn fairly. It also seeks to prevent partisan agendas from having the ability to manipulate outcomes by having control of the redistricting maps.
How does this amendment accomplish its main goals?
Prohibition of Gerrymandering
- Manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor or disadvantage any party or group is banned.
Fair Redistricting
- Districts must be impartial
- Districts must be non-discriminatory
- Districts must be geographically contiguous and compact
- Districts must be respectful of natural boundaries and communities of interest
Independent Commission for Redistricting
- Each state must have an independent, non-partisan commission to handle redistricting.
Commission Structure and Process
Independent Selection Committee
- Composed of retired judges, non-partisan experts, and civil society representatives.
- Oversees the appointment of commission members.
Balanced Representation
- Equal representation from multiple political parties.
- Includes independent or unaffiliated members to ensure no single group dominates.
Transparency and Public Input
- Meetings and decisions are open to the public.
- Public input and feedback are encouraged throughout the process.
Clear Criteria and Guidelines
- Districts must be compact, contiguous, and respect communities of interest.
- Must comply with the Voting Rights Act.
Judicial Oversight
- Redistricting plans are subject to judicial review to ensure they meet legal standards.
Congressional Authority
- Congress can create laws and standards to enforce this amendment.
Immediate Implementation
- Takes effect immediately upon ratification and applies to the next redistricting cycle.
Repeal of Inconsistent Laws
- Any laws or constitutional provisions that conflict with this amendment are repealed.
The Amendment
SECTION 1
The practice of gerrymandering, defined as the manipulation of electoral district boundaries with the intent of favoring or disadvantaging any political party or group, is hereby prohibited.
SECTION 2
Electoral districts for the House of Representatives and for any other federal, state, or local legislative bodies shall be drawn in a manner that is impartial, non-discriminatory, and in accordance with geographically contiguous and compact criteria, while respecting natural boundaries and communities of interest as much as practicable.
SECTION 3
An independent, non-partisan commission shall be established in each state to oversee the redistricting process. The composition, duties, and procedures of such commissions shall be as follows:
a. **Independent Selection Committee**: An independent selection committee, composed of retired judges, non-partisan experts, and representatives from civil society organizations, shall oversee the appointment of commission members.
b. **Balanced Representation**: Each commission shall include equal representation from multiple political parties, as well as independent or unaffiliated members, ensuring balanced interests and preventing dominance by any single group.
c. **Transparency and Public Input**: The commission’s meetings, deliberations, and decisions shall be conducted transparently and open to public scrutiny. The commission shall allow for significant public input and feedback throughout the redistricting process.
d. **Clear Criteria and Guidelines**: The commission shall adhere to clear, non-partisan criteria for drawing district boundaries, such as compactness, contiguity, respect for communities of interest, and compliance with the Voting Rights Act.
e. **Judicial Oversight**: The commission’s redistricting plans shall be subject to judicial review to ensure compliance with constitutional and legal standards.
SECTION 4
Congress shall have the power to enforce and implement this article by appropriate legislation, including the establishment of standards and oversight mechanisms, consistent with the provisions outlined in this amendment.
SECTION 5
This amendment shall take effect immediately upon ratification and shall apply to the next redistricting cycle following such ratification.
SECTION 6
All provisions of the Constitution or of the laws of the United States which are inconsistent with this amendment are hereby repealed.
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