#RedistrictingMatters

You can see and/or download the agenda HERE. ON the agenda is the link to watch the meeting via YouTube/GoogleMeet and to make public comment. Remember the public comment link only works after they have opened for comments (Item 3 on the agenda). Commissioners now keep the comment link open through most of their meeting!

If you wish to submit comments to the Commissioners, here are some suggested key messages:

On hiring: Please be open and transparent, and seek diversity. Require knowledge of both redistricting and Arizona!

To mitigate the impact of the Census delay:
A) Ask Commissioners to use the time to become experts themselves on redistricting and Arizona. Seek out redistricting experts and others who can provide context for the job ahead. Conduct early hearings. Seek formal testimony from non-partisan advocacy organizations serving low-income, underserved, and minority populations, and
B) ask them to look ahead and assist in every way to streamline “downstream” bottlenecks in the period between the final maps and the next election. Learn what local county elections officers have to do and to the extent possible help mitigate the impact of the Census delays.

Here are some further actions you can take:
1) Share the job description for the Executive Director to any and all who might be interested. We want the applicant pool to be diverse and knowledgeable about redistricting and Arizona. And we want the process to be open and transparent. This position closes Friday 2/26.
2) There is also a posting for Administrative Assistant. Same drill - share broadly.
3) They have also posted RFPs for legal counsel and mapping — so if you run in these circles, please spread the word! Closing date: March 12.