Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution establishing an independent redistricting commission
Take action
Take a stance or write a position on this measure.
Create an account to take a stance, submit a written position, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish an independent redistricting commission in Massachusetts. Currently, redistricting – the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries – is handled by the state legislature. This amendment would remove partisan influence from this process by creating a commission composed of non-partisan individuals to draw district lines after each census.
Key provisions
- Creates an independent redistricting commission.
- The commission will be composed of non-partisan members.
- The commission’s decisions will be based on objective criteria, such as population equality.
- Redistricting will occur after each decennial census.
- The amendment would remove the power of the legislature to draw district lines.
Who is affected
- Voters in Massachusetts
- State legislators
- Political parties
- The Massachusetts government
Notable changes
- Shifts control of redistricting from the legislature to an independent commission.
- Aims to reduce partisan gerrymandering.
- Ensures districts are drawn based on population equality.
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
2 on record
Primary sponsor
James B. Eldridge
Cosponsor
James B. Eldridge
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours