Bill > SJR21

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to establish an independent Citizens Redistricting Commission that would replace the current system of politicians drawing their own district maps. The proposed amendment creates a 12-member commission composed of individuals from different political affiliations, selected through a complex process designed to ensure diversity, impartiality, and transparency. Commissioners would be chosen randomly from pools of applicants registered with the two largest political parties and those unaffiliated with these parties, with strict eligibility requirements to prevent conflicts of interest. The commission would be responsible for drawing state legislative and congressional district maps based on criteria including population equality, geographic contiguity, respect for community boundaries, and promoting electoral competitiveness. The process would involve extensive public hearings, and the final maps would be subject to review by the Oregon Supreme Court to ensure compliance with established criteria. The resolution aims to reduce partisan gerrymandering, increase representation for underrepresented communities, and give voters more control over their electoral districts by removing the drawing of district lines from the hands of incumbent politicians.

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SJR21