Summary of the Current Joint Resolution foran Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC)Updated 12/20/24
(Word version: JRforIRCsummary.docx).
The proposed Joint Resolution, if passed by both chambers of the Legislature, would put the question of creation of an independent redistricting commission on the 2026 ballot. If passed by a simple majority of the voters it would assign the responsibility for redistrictingstate legislative districts and the districts of other districted state offices to an independent redistricting commission separate from the legislature. The legislature would be charged with developing enabling legislation that follows the letter and spirit of the amendment.
Content of the Joint Resolution
SECTION 1. It is proposed to amend Article 4, Section 3 of the constitution of New Mexico to read:
A. B. C. is existing language, with the only change being that the language is made gender neutral. Replacing “his” and “he” with “Senator or Representative”.
It strikes: [D. Once following publication of the official report of each federal decennial census hereafter conducted, the legislature may by statute reapportion its membership.]” and replaces it with a new Section 2
SECTION 2
A. Establishes the independent redistricting commission to develop and adopt plans for the redistricting of state legislative districts and the districts of other districted state offices. The commission shall file its adopted plans with the secretary of state within six months of the release of redistricting data by the United States census bureau. Plans adopted by the commission shall determine the districts for use in the succeeding primary and general elections for each respective body.
B. The redistricting commission shall consist of nine members who are registered qualified electors of New Mexico, three of whom are members of the largest political party, three of whom are members of the second largest political party and three of whom are not members of either of the two largest political parties and that, to the extent possible, mirrors the geographic and demographic makeup of the state. Two-thirds of members will be randomly selected, using statistically accepted weighting methodology, from applications received by the secretary of state. The final third will be selected by majority vote by the randomly selected commission members from among the applicant pool to achieve, to extent possible, the geographic and demographic makeup of the state.
C. Districts shall be substantially equal in population; shall not dilute the ability of a minority group or groups to nominate or elect candidates of their choice on their own or with the aid of crossover voters; shall not be drawn to favor or disfavor any political party or candidate; shall not split precincts; shall be contiguous and reasonably compact; and shall be drawn to preserve communities of interest and to respect political and geographic boundaries, including the boundaries of Indian nations, tribes, and pueblos and their political subdivisions. The commission may not use party membership or voting history data to develop a map but may use such information to assess compliance with federal law and this subsection.
SECTION 3. Not part of the amendment
The amendment proposed by this resolution shall be submitted to the people for their approval or rejection at the next general election or at any special election prior to that date that may be called for that purpose.