Mississippi House Bill JR201

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/22
• Refer: 3/27/22
• Failed: 4/5/22

Caption

Mississippi State Senate; redistrict.

Impact

The bill stipulates that the Senate will consist of 52 single-member districts, each designed to equitably represent the population within the legal standards. It includes a comprehensive list of boundaries for each district, reflecting adjustments made in response to demographic shifts. The bill emphasizes the necessity for districts to be as close to equal in population as feasible while preserving the integrity of local communities within these electoral frameworks.

Summary

Joint Resolution 201 aims to reapportion the Senate of the State of Mississippi in accordance with Section 254 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890. This resolution recognizes the need to adjust the electoral districts based on population changes identified in the most recent census, ensuring compliance with the federal 'one-person, one-vote' requirement. The new districts are set to take effect for the primary and general elections in 2023 and will determine the membership of the Mississippi Legislature in 2024 and beyond.

Contention

Despite its authoritative nature, the bill opens discussions about the implications of redistricting in the political landscape of Mississippi. Potential points of contention include concerns regarding gerrymandering and whether the proposed boundaries genuinely reflect fair representation for all residents. Furthermore, critics may argue that certain districts could dilute the voting power of particular communities, thus necessitating vigilant scrutiny over the redistricting process to uphold democratic principles.