Both New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James are urging the courts to order an independent redistricting commission to redraw the state’s congressional district lines.
The pair filed an amicus brief to support changes instead of leaving the current lines in place until the 2030 census.
After the Independent Redistricting Commission’s lines were challenged ahead of 2022 election, a special master redrew the districts to their current shape.
With the amount of time between now and the 2024 election Hochul and James argue that the lines should be redrawn using the commission as prescribed in the state’s constitution.
“I am committed to protecting the rights of all New Yorkers to fully participate in our electoral system,” Governor Hochul said. “We are urging the court to support the Constitutionally-protected process in order to ensure accountability and fairness for New York voters.”
Attorney General James said, “Our state’s Constitution makes it clear that an independent body, with participation from the general public, is charged with drawing maps for Congressional districts. Relying on a process with no accountability and with limited time for public input is not how we engage the public and ensure their interests are addressed throughout this process. I am committed to ensuring our electoral process is as transparent as possible and that we follow the process outlined in our Constitution. New Yorkers deserve free and fair elections, and to have a say in how their communities will be represented in Congress.”
