Senate Passes Bipartisan Redistricting Legislation
Contact Name: Sara Persechino
Phone: (603) 271-3479
Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us
CONCORD - Today, the Senate passed HB 1665, a bipartisan bill to establish an independent advisory commission on redistricting. The measure passed in a 15-9 vote and will next go to Governor Sununu’s desk for his action.
After the vote, Senator Shannon Chandley (D-Amherst) issued the following statement:
“Elections should be determined by the will of the voters, not by partisan politics. In New Hampshire, we value the importance of every individual voice. We actively participate in the legislative process, local and town elections, and have a long and honorable tradition of participation in federal elections. Voters have made it clear that fair elections are critical to their trust in government. When those who have the most to gain are given the power to draw up our districts, we become gerrymandered, silencing the voices and the will of Granite State voters.
This bill, HB 1665, reforms the redistricting process so that it is independent, transparent, and ensures that communities in New Hampshire are fairly represented. Despite Governor Sununu’s veto of bipartisan redistricting legislation last year, support for independent redistricting has grown as citizens demand good government and the fair and representative districts that help to make it so. I applaud the work of my Senate colleagues and look forward to sending this bill to the Governor.”
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