Oregon House Bill HJR204

Oregon 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/22
• Refer: 2/1/22
• Failed: 3/4/22

Caption

Proposing amendment to Oregon Constitution relating to redistricting.

Impact

If enacted, HJR204 would repeal the current legislative procedures for redistricting outlined in sections 6 and 7 of Article IV of the Oregon Constitution. The new process would involve a commission made up of twelve commissioners selected to reflect a diverse array of political views and backgrounds, which would be required to use strict criteria when drawing district maps. This amendment could significantly alter the political landscape in Oregon by promoting competitive districts and reducing the practice of gerrymandering, thus enhancing electoral accountability and representation. Furthermore, it aims to address the issue of underrepresentation among certain demographics, including unaffiliated voters and communities of color.

Summary

HJR204 proposes an amendment to the Oregon Constitution to establish a Citizens Redistricting Commission. This independent commission would be responsible for drawing redistricting maps for the state legislature and congressional districts, aiming to eliminate the partisan conflicts inherent in the current system where elected officials draw their own district boundaries. By empowering a nonpartisan body to handle redistricting, the amendment seeks to ensure fair representation for all voters in Oregon, regardless of their political affiliations. The bill emphasizes the importance of transparency and public involvement in the redistricting process, obligating the commission to hold public hearings and provide ample notice for its meetings.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HJR204 include concerns from established politicians and their supporters who may view the amendment as a threat to their political power. Critics argue that an independent commission could be susceptible to public pressures that may not reflect the interests of the broader electorate. Additionally, some skeptics may question the commission's ability to operate impartially without the influence of established political norms. Proponents, on the other hand, argue that this independence is crucial to creating truly unbiased districts that promote fair representation, arguing that the current system upholds incumbents at the expense of voter choice. The public is expected to vote on this amendment in the next general election, which will further gauge public support and address any lingering concerns about its implementation.