LWV Supports Ballot Initiative IP 14

LWV Supports Ballot Initiative IP 14

IP 14

(for the full text see the link below)

 
Sponsoring group is People Not Politicians:  www.peoplenotpoliticiansoregon.com
Currently, it is the Legislature that has the power to determine boundaries for state and federal legislative districts after each census. The result is that 97% of incumbents are reelected each cycle—because they have drawn the boundaries of their own districts.
The Princeton Gerrymandering Project rates Oregon an F for districting fairness; currently, the 40% of Oregon voters not registered either R or D are left out of the process. Eight other states, mostly in the West, have an alternative: an independent redistricting commission. This would be a constitutional amendment.
 

Initiative Petition 14 would:

• Create a 12-member commission of citizens who would draw our district boundaries starting in 2025 and thereafter after each nationwide census.

• The commission would have 4 Republicans, 4 Democrats, and 4 members who were Independents or from other parties. At least 1 member from each group would have to vote for a district map for it to be approved.

• Elective officers and their employees, as well as members of a political party central committee and lobbyists, along with their family members, need not apply. Applicants must have been a resident of Oregon for at least 2 years or be enrolled in a federally recognized state tribal nation; must be eligible to vote and have voted in at least 2 of the 3 preceding General Elections; and must not have changed parties in the past 3 years.

• Initial winnowing of the candidates would be done by a review panel of three judges.  They would send a list of 150 qualified individuals to the Secretary of State, with 50 from each of the two largest political parties and 50 registered with neither of those parties.

• The SOS would choose 6 people to serve on the commission, 2 from each of the  above-stated groups. Those 6 would select the remaining 6 commissioners.

• There is a process for removing a commissioner for gross misconduct, and a process for filling a vacancy.

• Commissioners shall be paid only a per-diem fee and travel expenses.

 

 Bullet-point summary provided by Abigail Bok, Voter Service Chair. 
 
For the full text of the Ballot Initiative see the sponsor link at the top of the page.
 

 

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organization with a mission to encourage the active and informed participation of citizens in government.  The League never supports or opposes any candidate or political party and aims to provide impartial information to voters about candidates' views on issues, and to stimulate interest and participation in an election.

 

The League of Women Voters does take action on issues or advocates for a cause when there is an existing League position that supports the issue or speaks to the cause.