A Constitutional Amendment To Amend Constitutional Provisions Concerning Apportionment; And To Create The Arkansas Apportionment Commission.
Impact
The SJR1 amendment will impact the governance of legislative districts in Arkansas by reducing the direct influence of political appointees on the redistricting process. The commission will be comprised of nine members with specific qualifications, including expertise in mathematics, law, and cartography. This structure is designed to enhance objectivity in the apportionment process by removing political affiliations from consideration during district creation. As a result, it is expected to result in more equitable district populations and representation.
Summary
SJR1 proposes an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution concerning apportionment and establishes the Arkansas Apportionment Commission. The amendment is aimed at revising the current apportionment system to facilitate a more organized framework for determining legislative district boundaries following each federal decennial census. This change is significant as it shifts responsibility for drawing district lines from the Board of Apportionment, which consists of the Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General, to a newly created commission tasked with ensuring fair representation.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SJR1 appears mixed. Supporters argue that it will lead to fairer representation and diminish the partisan manipulation often associated with gerrymandering. They believe the commission's structured approach will enhance public trust in the electoral process. Conversely, skeptics voice concerns regarding the potential for a lack of transparency and reduced accountability as decision-making is shifted from elected officials to a commission. This tension highlights an ongoing debate about maintaining local influence versus ensuring statewide fairness in representation.
Contention
One notable point of contention is the concern over who drives the commission’s decisions and how independent it can truly be from political pressures. Critics argue that while the intent is to create a non-partisan commission, the appointments still rest with political leaders who might select individuals aligned with their interests. Additionally, the procedural nuances of accepting or rejecting commission reports by the Board of Apportionment could lead to conflicts between the legislature and the newly established commission, creating potential gridlock in the redistricting process.
To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.
To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.
To Recognize The Arkansas Committee Of The National Museum Of Women In The Arts For Thirty-five Years Of Creative Contributions To The Citizens Of Arkansas And Continuous Support Of Women Artists In Arkansas.
An Act For The Arkansas Minority Health Initiative Of The Department Of Health - Arkansas Minority Health Commission Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.
A Constitutional Amendment To Create The Arkansas Apportionment Commission To Apportion Districts For The House Of Representatives, The Senate, And The United States House Of Representatives.
Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution To Require The Reapportionment Commission To Establish A Reapportionment Plan To Draw District Lines For The Members Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Board Of Trustees.
Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution To Require The Reapportionment Commission To Establish A Reapportionment Plan To Draw District Lines For The Members Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Board Of Trustees.
Proposing An Amendment To The Hawaii State Constitution To Require The Reapportionment Commission To Establish A Reapportionment Plan To Draw District Lines For The Members Of The Office Of Hawaiian Affairs Board Of Trustees.