HJR 002 is a partisan attempt to welcome gerrymandering into Idaho’s legislative district line-drawing process. Despite Idaho being one of thirteen states who uses an independent commission comprised of an equal number of members from both major political parties to draw their legislative district lines, this proposed constitutional amendment would allow the executive branch to select a seventh member to the commission, tilting the scales in favor of the majority party. This brings widespread concerns that Idaho’s legislative districts would be gerrymandered – essentially drawn to manipulate the boundaries to predetermine the outcome of elections, hindering voters from voicing their interests through their votes. Instead of enacting a partisan process for drawing Idaho’s legislative districts, we call on Idaho lawmakers to ensure that the current redistricting process takes place in a fair way that accounts for the size of a district’s population and its racial and ethnic diversity.

Sponsors

Rep. Steve Harris (R)

Status

Returned to House State Affairs Committee

Session

2019

Bill number

Position

Oppose