SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 23

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2008

INTRODUCED BY

John T. L. Grubesic

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPOINT A COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF CREATING AN INDEPENDENT, BIPARTISAN REDISTRICTING COMMISSION.

     WHEREAS, achieving proper political representation of New Mexico communities and minority groups fosters a healthy political environment in races for elective office; and

     WHEREAS, competition in the political process helps guarantee that elected officials will represent the full diversity of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, using a fair and open process to redraw New Mexico's political boundaries would reinvigorate the connection between elected officials and the residents of New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, broad citizen participation in the redistricting process will produce more accountability in government, strengthen public confidence in government and improve the quality of public policy;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to establish a committee, with proportional representation of majority and minority parties and of the house and senate, to study the feasibility of creating an independent, bipartisan redistricting commission to compose district plans for public education commission, public regulation commission, legislative and congressional races that are representative of New Mexico's population; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study include the following:

          A. a review of independent, bipartisan redistricting commissions created by other states;

          B. methods for creating a balanced redistricting commission that is representative of the geographical, political, racial, ethnic, gender and age diversity of New Mexico; and

          C. procedures for conducting the work of the redistricting commission that will ensure public participation and transparency of the redistricting process; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee report the findings of its study, including recommendations for proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than December 1, 2008; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.

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