In a vote of 4-2, HCR2009 was approved by the Arizona House Elections Committee on Monday. The legislation would refer to the ballot a requirement that the members of the Independent Redistricting Commission be elected rather than appointed.
According to the legislative overview, “In November 2000, Arizona voters passed Proposition 106 transferring the responsibility to draw congressional and state legislative districts from the Legislature to the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) based on the 10-year census.”
The IRC was supposed to consist of five members, no more than two of whom are members of the same political party, and of the four appointed, no more than two of whom are from the same county. The Commission on Appellate Court Appointments then nominates candidates and of theses nominees, four members are selected by the House of Representatives and Senate majority and minority leadership. These four members then select the final member, who cannot be affiliated with either of the two major political parties.
However, the Independent Commissioner and Chair of the IRC, Colleen Mathis acted in anything but an independent manner. The former democrat sided with Democrats and districts were drawn in which Republicans were stacked and Democrats were given an unfair advantage.
As a result of the imbalance, Republican lawmakers reps. Warren Petersen and Kelly Townsend along with Senator David Farnsworth introduced HCR2009. HCR2009 requires:
1. The IRC to:
a. be elected at the regular general election held in each year that ends in a zero in the same manner as provided by law for other statewide offices;
b. meet the same eligibility requirements as prescribed for the office of the Governor; and
c. serve a term of 10 years.
2. Stipulates that vacancies must be filled as otherwise provided by law.
3. Requires the Secretary of State to submit this proposition to the voters at the next general election.
4. Makes technical and conforming changes.