For the first time in over three years, New York State’s Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) has reached a consensus on a single Assembly map to present to the state Legislature. IRC Vice Chair Charles Nesbitt praised the unprecedented agreement, emphasizing the importance of this achievement.
Last year, the bipartisan commission failed to agree on a single map, sending two versions of state Senate, Assembly, and Congressional lines to the Legislature, which were not approved. Lawmakers drew their maps after the IRC did not provide a second set of maps. A Republican-led challenge resulted in a special master drawing the state Senate and Congressional lines.
Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay expressed hope that the process is nearing completion. However, Commissioner Ross Brady voted against the new Assembly map, pointing out its similarity to the one drawn by lawmakers.
The Legislature and governor have until June 16 to approve the Assembly map. If rejected, the IRC must submit another one; if that too is struck down, lawmakers will again be responsible for map creation.
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