NDRC: Time Is Now For NY’s Independent Redistricting Commission To Resume Work

September 19, 2023

Washington, D.C. – This morning, by order of the New York Court of Appeals, the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission is able to commence work on a new congressional map for the 2024 elections. New York is one of a dozen states poised to redraw their congressional maps, significantly reshaping as many as 24 congressional districts nationwide. 

“Although not all independent commissions are created equal, they are generally the gold standard for redistricting, and consistently produce fairer maps than those drawn by politicians. The New York Independent Redistricting Commission should begin immediately with the goal of enacting a fair map that is more representative of the people of the Empire State ahead of the 2024 elections,” said John Bisognanao, President of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC). 

The full order from the State Court of Appeals reads, “Motion, insofar as it seeks to vacate the CPLR 5519 (a) stay, denied; motion, insofar as it seeks clarification of the automatic stay granted. The order of the Appellate Division directed the Independent v. Redistricting Commission (IRC) to “commence its New York State Independent Redistricting duties forthwith” (217 AD3d 53, 62 [3d Dept 2023]). That order is automatically stayed pursuant to CPLR 5519 (a) (1), but the stay does not prohibit the IRC or Independent Redistricting Commissioner its members from taking any actions. Cross-motion for a stay pursuant to CPLR 5519 (c) Appellants, dismissed as academic.”

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