Friend: Participation in Independent Redistricting Hearings Critical in Shaping Fair Legislative and Congressional Representation

Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is encouraging voters to participate in an upcoming virtual public hearing to be held by the Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) on August 9 at 2 p.m. Those interested may register or submit testimony at: https://nyirc.gov/meetings.

“Currently we have a truly Independent RedistrictingCommission which is seeking the engagement of the public on how they would like their legislative and congressional districts drawn to best represent them. I urge residents to participate in the upcoming Sothern Tier and Central New York virtual hearing so their voices are heard,” said Friend. “It is important that we let the Legislature, which has designs in interfering with this independent work, know that the people are the ones who must and should have a say in our district outlines, not those with political interests.”

Currently, the IRC is acting independently according to a constitutional amendment that went into effect January 1, 2015. The Legislature, dominated by one-party rule, is seeking to take this fair and transparent process over in the fall. Citizen participation in these forthcoming hearings emphasizes the legitimacy of the constitutionally designated IRC and will help protect this civic process from special-interests.