A growing body of research shows that Independent Redistricting Commissions (IRCs) can prevent gerrymandering and provide better representation. But not all commissions are equally effective in limiting partisan interests.
Common Cause US’s Community Redistricting Report Card, publicized in late 2023, used community feedback to rate each state’s 2021-2022 redistricting process. PA received a C+. Among key findings included in the report (pp 3-4)
- Independent citizen redistricting commissions are significantly more likely to seek public feedback and integrate it into voting maps. The screening process for independent commissions eliminates individuals with a personal bias in the drawing of districts. As a result, these commissions tend to attract individuals making a good faith effort to learn about communities and make informed decisions about how to ensure the fairest representation possible for the highest number of people.
- Not all redistricting commissions are created equal. Some state redistricting commissions include elected officials, allow elected officials to have a greater say in the appointment of redistricting commissioners, or give legislators a final say in the approval of maps. These commissions are far more likely to suffer from partisan deadlock or produce maps that ignore public input and instead focus on partisan, racial, or incumbent advantage.
In June 2024 the Campaign Legal Center released Redistricting Commissions in the 2021 Redistricting Cycle: Case Studies and Lessons Learned for 2031 and Beyond. The report provides summaries of lessons learned and case studies of what has gone well or not so well in commission design, selection, education and process. It also explores redistricting criteria and ways to encourage and incorporate public input.
According to the report, successful redistricting commissions are (from p vi):
- Truly independent and insulated from legislative and other political influence;
- Vested with the full authority of redistricting;
- Made up entirely of citizen commissioners who are broadly representative of the diversity of their state;
- Evenly split between the primary political party, secondary political party, and independents;
- Large enough to disperse responsibilities, encourage collaboration and compromise, and prevent one or two outlier commissioners from derailing the process;
- Made up of commissioners empowered to understand and make decisions regarding the complexities of redistricting;
- Assisted by trustworthy and knowledgeable staff and advisors, selected through a process designed to give commissions a broad base of options;
- Guided by clearly defined and ranked criteria protective of the rights of every voter;
Making decisions and drawing maps with processes aimed toward building consensus as opposed to rewarding contention; - Redistricting through a participatory, inclusive, and transparent process;
- Required to demonstrate how the final maps incorporate public input; and
- Ensuring the enactment of fair maps through a clear, specific fallback mechanism
All of these characteristics were included in House Bill 1776 and Senate Bill 1076, but it’s possible that some could be strengthened based on the Campaign Legal Center report, input from advocates in other states and thoughtful feedback from PA legislators.
The FDPA Mapping Contest, due to end on August 31, will also provide helpful insight into the impact of proposed mapping standards. Dozens of submissions have been received, accompanied by commentary on how the standards impacted the mapping process.
Time has now run out for action on constitutional amendments in the current legislative session, so FDPA, partner organizations and legislative champions have begun work to review bill provisions and consider possible revisions. New bills will be introduced very early in 2025.
While some states can pass amendments to their state constitutions in less than a year with citizen-initiated ballot measures, any amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution must pass the state legislature in two consecutive sessions, without any changes to the language, then go on the ballot for a public referendum.