Policy Options for Achieving Independent Redistricting in New Mexico
Redistricting controlled by state legislators or state political party leaders contributes to polarization, decreases competitiveness, and sometimes gives legislative control to the party with fewer votes. As these problems have intensified across the nation, reformers and policymakers in a growing number of states have launched new redistricting models that significantly improved outcomes and provided broader inspiration that American democracy challenges can be overcome.
New Mexico stands at the crossroads of that process, having taken a meaningful step forward with the advisory Citizen Redistricting Commission established in 2021. However, the state has seen legislation fail in 2022 and 2023 that called for the next step: an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC).
This report aims to inform the next version of redistricting legislation in New Mexico. It identifies four areas where 2023 House Joint Resolution 1 might be changed. The report does not offer direct policy recommendations; instead, it provides options to consider when drafting the next bill. The four areas were selected based on feedback from lawmakers and advocates about overcoming political hurdles.
- How can statute ensure inclusive representation on New Mexico’s future IRC?
- What entities should select and staff New Mexico’s IRC?
- Should a New Mexico IRC oversee legislative districting, congressional districting, or both?
- Should partisan data be considered in the New Mexico redistricting process?