Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Elections Act or the CLEAN Elections Act This bill establishes requirements for nonpartisan redistricting and open primary elections. States must (1) conduct congressional redistricting using a plan developed by a nonpartisan independent redistricting commission, beginning with the 2020 census; and (2) hold open primaries for federal elections. A state may not use federal funds provided for election administration purposes unless it certifies to the Election Assistance Commission that it (1) conducts redistricting for its state legislative districts using a plan developed by a nonpartisan independent redistricting commission, and (2) holds open primaries for elections for state and local office.
The potential impact of HB 157 on state laws is significant as it aims to centralize and standardize practices regarding electoral integrity and representation. By mandating the use of nonpartisan commissions for redistricting, the bill aims to mitigate partisan gerrymandering, which has historically skewed election outcomes in favor of particular political parties. Moreover, the requirement for open primaries may enhance voter participation and engagement, enabling a broader spectrum of the electorate to influence primary elections, which are critical to determining candidates for the general election.
House Bill 157, known as the Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Elections Act or the CLEAN Elections Act, seeks to reform the electoral process by implementing nonpartisan redistricting and mandating open primary elections in the United States. The bill requires states to conduct congressional redistricting through plans created by independent, nonpartisan redistricting commissions, starting with the 2020 census. Additionally, it stipulates that states must hold open primaries for federal elections, allowing voters to participate regardless of party affiliation.
Despite its intentions, the bill has faced opposition from some legislators who argue that it undermines states' rights to regulate their own election processes. Critics express concern that imposing a federal standard for redistricting and primaries could eliminate local input and relevant considerations specific to each state's electoral landscape. These points of contention highlight a broader debate over the balance between federal oversight and state control in the realm of electoral reform.