HomeMy Public PortalAbout02-2017 - REDISTRICTING PROCESS RESOLUTION 2017 -2
Resolution Addressing the State Redistricting Process
WHEREAS, the Putnam County League of Women Voters raised issues regarding the current
redistricting process in the state of Indiana, and recommended solutions to address those issues;
WHEREAS, the current redistricting process creates a conflict of interest, as state legislators are
effectively choosing their own constituents;
WHEREAS, the redistricting process should be conducted in an open manner with real
opportunities for public dialogue and feedback, and not behind closed doors;
WHEREAS, public input and involvement in the redistricting process will empower our
communities by allowing them to elect representatives who represent their interests on issues that are
important to their lives;
WHEREAS, the boundaries of state districts are currently drawn by legislative incumbents, with
the potential of sacrificing the integrity of neighborhoods and cities;
WHEREAS, important principles such as the protections of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965
and respect for neighborhoods and cities should be clearly listed as principles that must be followed in the
redistricting process;
WHEREAS, voters are more likely to participate when they feel that their vote will count and that
they have a reasonable chance of electing candidates who represent their interests; and
WHEREAS, elected officials are more responsive to constituents when voters have a choice of
candidates, thus increasing accountability and serving the best interests of the voters of Indiana.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Greencastle that it
encourage the Special Interim Committee on Redistricting to produce a final report that supports
comprehensive redistricting reform which incorporates the following:
I. The establishment of a citizens -led commission composed of Indiana voters who are
representative of the state's diversity, partisan balance, and geography, for all future
redistricting. This Commission will oversee the process to draw the lines of the state Senate, state
House of Representatives and Congressional districts.
2. District boundaries should be drawn according to clearly described criteria, considering
the following factors:
a. The U.S. Constitution's requirement of one person, one vote;
b. The Voting Rights Act (VRA);
c. Contiguity requirements (to draw districts as one connected area);
d. Communities of interest, city and county boundaries;
e. Political competition, where this does not conflict with the above criteria; and
f. Compactness, where this does not conflict with the above criteria;
3. The addresses of any individual, including an incumbent officeholder or candidate,
should not be considered when any district is drawn.
4. The Commission should conduct a transparent redistricting process with full opportunities
for public participation. The Commission should be subject to the Indiana Public Records Act,
and Indiana Open Door Act, including provisions requiring public notice of meetings and access to
public records. At least three public meetings should be held in three different geographic regions
of the state.
5. Redistricting should occur once every 10 years following the decennial U.S. Census and
Congressional Reapportionment.
PASSED AND RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Greencastle at its regular
meeting this 'all" day of Tf ont,; -ui , 2017.
COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GREENCASTLE, INDIANA
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Adam Cohen Mark Hammer
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Tyler de Stacie Langdon
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teve Fields Gary Lemon
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D. e Murray IV
Approved and signed by me this IZ of Tamc>ia. , 2017 at S :H o'clock p .m.
4/Ai ./AWS
Wi Liam A. Dory, Jr., ayo
Attest:
Ly da Dunbar, Clerk- Treasurer