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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House2025-01-30

Vote Breakdown

No floor votes recorded.

Plain Language Summary

This bill would establish an independent redistricting process for North Carolina legislative and congressional districts by creating a 15-member Citizens Redistricting Commission. The commission would be composed of diverse citizens (not politicians) and would draw new district maps after each census, rather than allowing the General Assembly to control redistricting. The bill requires voter approval of constitutional amendments in November 2026 before the commission could begin work in 2027.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue that independent redistricting removes partisan gerrymandering, where politicians choose voters rather than voters choosing representatives.
• •They contend this process is more fair, transparent, and accountable to citizens since the commission must hold extensive public hearings, respond to public comments, and follow strict criteria like equal population and contiguous districts.
• •The diverse commission membership and supermajority voting requirements ensure no single party can dominate redistricting decisions.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue that removing the General Assembly's role undermines democratic accountability since legislators are directly elected to represent constituents and make policy decisions.
• •They may also express concerns about the commission's complexity, the tight timelines for drawing maps, potential litigation costs, or whether an unelected body should make decisions affecting representation.
• •Some may question whether the eligibility criteria and selection process truly eliminate all political influence or if disputes could arise during implementation.