Proposed Amendment to the State Constitution

Senate Joint Resolution No 8210
Ballot language: The legislature has proposed a constitutional amendment on the deadline for completing state legislative and congressional redistricting. This amendment would require the state redistricting commission to complete the redistricting for state legislative and congressional districts by November 15 of each year ending in a one, 46 days earlier than currently required. Should this constitutional amendment be:
Approved
Rejected

As you know, the federal government conducts a census every 10 years. One reason for that census is to readjust congressional district boundaries to reflect changes in population. Redistricting is a very politically contentious issue, as the size and shape of districts can often determine which party will win that seat. Washington established a Redistricting Commission in 1983. There is a very specific protocol for how and when commission members are chosen. This amendment would tighten the work schedule of the Redistricting Commission. The votes in favor in both the House and Senate were unanimous – for what that’s worth.

The Advancement of Date for Completion of Redistricting Plan Amendment was designed to move the deadline for the completion of redistricting for state legislative and congressional districts from January 1 of each year ending in a two, to November 15 of each year ending in a one.

I am not at all sure of the implications of this, but to the extent that it prevents mischief by Redistricting Commission members with too much time on their hands, I think I favor it.

I will be voting a slightly puzzled APPROVED on the proposed amendment.