Group Sues Over NY Redistricting Ballot

A government watchdog group is challenging the wording of a New York ballot question on redistricting, saying it is deceptive and should be replaced with more neutral language.

A lawsuit announced Tuesday by Common Cause-New York seeks to reword the referendum, which critics say could confuse voters into thinking they’re voting for an independent commission.

The question on the November ballot asks voters to authorize a new commission to handle redistricting beginning in 2022. That’s the next time the state’s political districts will be redrawn to account for population changes.

The referendum says the commission will be independent, even though top lawmakers would pick eight of its 10 members. The Legislature also would have the power to reject any proposal.

“Too many people will walk into the polling place, they’ll get their ballot and it will be the first they’ve heard about this,” said Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause-New York. “That’s why the language needs to be neutral, so voters have a reasonable opportunity to make up their own minds.”

This article appeared in print on page 4 of the August 21st, 2014 edition of Hamodia.