Bill > HJR9

This Joint Resolution proposes to amend the New Mexico Constitution to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission responsible for drawing the boundaries of congressional districts, state legislative districts, and districts for other state offices after each federal census. The commission would consist of seven members, with no more than three from the same political party, and would have strict eligibility requirements to ensure impartiality, prohibiting individuals who have held elected office, worked for elected officials, or been involved in political campaigns or lobbying within recent years. The process for selecting commissioners involves the State Ethics Commission soliciting applications, narrowing down nominees, and then appointing the final members, including a retired judge as chair, with legislative leaders having limited ability to strike candidates. The commission must draw districts that are as equal in population as practicable, comply with federal law, protect minority voting strength without making race the predominant factor, use single-member districts, and consider factors like communities of interest and geographic boundaries, while explicitly prohibiting the use of partisan data or the addresses of incumbents when drawing maps. The proposed amendment will be put to a vote of the people at the next general election.