League of Women Voters of New York State Files Amicus Brief in New York Redistricting Case
League calls for New York courts to invalidate Legislature’s electoral maps, as the constitutionally mandated process for redistricting was violated by both the Independent Redistricting Commission and the Legislature. League says the Constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2014 now requires that the New York courts, not the Legislature, draw the electoral maps.
ALBANY, NY - The League of Women Voters of New York State yesterday filed an amicus brief with the Appellate Division, Fourth Department in the case challenging the redistricting maps drawn by the Legislature after the Independent Redistricting Commission had failed to submit a second set of maps as required by the Constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2014.
“This case raises a question of monumental importance, whether the courts will enforce the procedural requirements adopted by the People in the New York Constitution to prevent partisan gerrymandering and sharply curtail the Legislature’s power over redistricting," said Laura Ladd Bierman, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters in New York State. "Here, that constitutionally mandated process was indisputably violated by a combination of the Independent Redistricting Commission’s failure to live up to its constitutional responsibilities and the Legislature’s brazen disregard of the required process. Our brief calls on the Court to invalidate the maps drawn by the Legislature in violation of the constitutionally mandated process. Under the clear language of the Constitution, new maps must now be drawn by the Court, not by the Legislature, to provide the critical protection against partisan gerrymandering that voters understood in approving the amendment.”
In 2012, the League called on Governor Cuomo and the Legislature to negotiate a constitutional amendment on redistricting that would achieve the permanent reform the League had sought for decades. After Legislative passage and a substantial public campaign led by the League and Citizens Union, that reform was achieved with voter approval in 2014.
The League of Women Voters of New York State, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. See amicus brief here.
To become a League member, join one of the 700+ state and local Leagues.
###
Press Contact: Laura Ladd Bierman, League of Women Voters of New York State Executive Director
E: [email protected], Tel: 518-727-0350
The Latest from the League
A settlement agreement for the November election has been reached, addressing issues brought by LWV of New York State in their July case over the process by which the state counts absentee ballots.
LWVUS and LWV of New York State filed a federal lawsuit to ensure absentee voters have the opportunity to cure their ballots for the remaining 2020 election cycle.
The League joined 178 civic organizations on an amicus brief for the census litigation case in New York.
Sign Up For Email
Keep up with the League. Receive emails to your inbox!
Donate to support our work
to empower voters and defend democracy.