Posted on Thursday, 10 November, 2011
Proposed Redistricting Maps Released The Massachusetts legislative redistricting committee has released its proposal for state house and state senate. The maps can be found at http://www.malegislature.gov/District/ProposedDistrictMaps*Congressional Map has also been released and is available at the same location We are extremely pleased with the Redistricting Committee’s decision to hold an unprecedented two-week comment period before voting on today’s proposed maps. This is a substantial step forward and a marked break with the past where maps were rushed through the legislative process in a matter of days. Indeed, the whole attitude of the committee has been one of inclusion and participation with 13 public hearings, a helpful website, and frequent meetings with local and statewide advocates. We will use this period to carefully review the maps and if necessary suggest changes. At first blush, we like much of what we see, especially in the area of minority representation. The House doubled the number of majority minority districts from 10 to 20, and the Senate increased by one half”from 2 to 3. Given our state’s past history of violating the Federal Voting Rights Act with redistricting maps in 2002 and in the 1980s, this is a refreshing change." Click Here to View A Letter Sent to the Committee From Common Cause
')