Missouri Senate Bill SB954

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 2/16/22

Caption

Creates new provisions relating to reapportionment and redistricting in certain political subdivisions

Impact

One notable impact of this bill is its emphasis on compliance with federal laws such as the Voting Rights Act, ensuring that no district is drawn in a way that denies or abridges the voting rights of any citizen based on race or color. It aims at promoting not just population equality but also the protection of minority voting rights within the political system. The bill outlines a timeline within which redistricting authorities must submit their plans, including public hearings to gather community feedback, fostering transparency in the redistricting process.

Summary

Senate Bill 954 aims to amend Chapter 67 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by introducing new provisions related to the redistricting and reapportionment of political subdivisions. The bill mandates that multi-member political subdivisions that elect members from single-member districts must establish their districts in a manner that is as equal in population as possible. Specifically, no ward or district should deviate by more than five percent from the ideal population, ensuring fairness in representation. This structure seeks to address potential disparities in voter representation across different areas.

Contention

However, there are concerns regarding how the provisions concerning partisan fairness and competitiveness will be interpreted and enforced. While the bill states that these factors should be secondary to the other requirements, the balance between fair representation and maintaining competitive electoral districts can lead to contentious debates. Critics might argue that too much emphasis on partisan fairness could lead to gerrymandering or manipulation of district boundaries, compromising the very goals of equal representation the bill seeks to achieve.