Fritzpatrick Redistricting Bill

[ProgressiveModerate]

Would require every state to use Independent Commission.

Even if it’s only 1 person, it’s good to see bipartisan support for once.

Redistricting reform is one of those things that in theory is pretty universally popular, but is a very nuanced subject and ofc is a classic example of where politicians and peoples wants are very different.

Do y’all think Fritzpatrick bill has any chance of picking up steam? Could it pass either chamber given it’s still pretty modest reform?

[ProgressiveModerate]

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hr157ih/pdf/BILLS-118hr157ih.pdf

Here’s the actual bills text (also does open primaries)

Overall seems like good legislation, and I’d hope Dems and some moderate Rs can try and consolidate support to see it at least pass the House (still unlikely)

[Torie]

It has no details as to the rules of the road (in particular how to break impasses), and the stick is a denial of federal funds to states to conduct elections, so the stick may not be big enough.
So I doubt it. If the VA plan were proposed, I would support that.

[Nyvin]

The number of its members who are affiliated with the political party with the largest percentage of the registered voters in the State who are affiliated with a political party (as determined with respect to the most recent statewide election for Federal office held in the State for which such information is available) is equal to the number of its members who are affiliated with the political party withthe second largest percentage of the registered voters in the State who are affiliated with a political party (as so determined)

This part would be a bit concerning if some US Senate elections go uncontested and the state would end up with some third party like Greens or Libertarians getting the second place position on the commission.

Also the bill seems completely open and vague on what rules would be followed to draw the districts and what happens if the two side can't agree.  

I don't see the real benefit to mandating open primaries either (which is almost a third of the entire bill's wording in section 3).

This measure is extremely lacking overall, needs a lot of work.