Redistricting Commission Comes to the Bronx

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Susan Lerner

Sept 7, 2011

212-691-6421

Redistricting Commission Comes to the Bronx

Common Cause NY to release new maps with demographic and statistical data

Tomorrow, the Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (LATFOR) will hold its only public hearing in the Bronx prior to determining new district lines for federal and state elected office. In anticipation, Common Cause NY will release original maps with comprehensive demographic and statistical data for Bronx from the 2010 census on-line at: http://www.citizensredistrictny.org/blog/.

When: THURSDAY, September 8th @ 10:00 AM

Where: Bronx Community College, Gould Memorial Library Auditorium, 2155 University Ave, Bronx, NY 10453

Who: Common Cause NY, the public, legislators, community organizations and others

What: Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment (LATFOR) Public Hearing

Background

Common Cause is a leader in redistricting reform around the nation. Common Cause California wrote and helped to pass the Voters First Initiative in California in 2008 which set up the first Citizens’ Redistricting Commission in the U.S. which is currently in the process of drawing new political boundaries transparently and with public input. Common Cause Minnesota helped pass a referendum in Minneapolis that removes political parties from the redistricting process by having a judge appoint members of the redistricting commission. Common Cause strongly supported and helped pass the Fair Districts Florida initiatives in 2010 that set new rules for redrawing legislative and congressional lines which prohibit drawing districts to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party.