West Virginia House Bill HJR5

West Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Allowing citizens to participate directly in the formation of legislative districts

Impact

If adopted, HJR5 would facilitate a shift in how legislative and congressional district boundaries are drawn in West Virginia. During the upcoming census, as data becomes available, the commission would need to operate within a strict timeline to assure that the new boundaries are set in place before the next election cycle. This structure aims to ensure fairer representation and transparency in the electoral process. Importantly, the Legislature would be required to vote on the commission's proposed districts without the ability to amend them, thus limiting political manipulation during redistricting.

Summary

HJR5 proposes an amendment to the West Virginia Constitution aimed at establishing a State Apportionment Commission. This commission would be tasked with redistricting congressional and legislative districts following the decennial census, thus creating a more structured and citizen-involved process for district formation. The bill outlines specific procedures for the appointment of commission members, which include representatives from various political parties, ensuring a level of nonpartisanship in the redistricting process. These commissioners would subsequently engage in public hearings across the state to gather input before submitting their redistricting plans to the state legislature.

Sentiment

The reception of HJR5 seems to be mixed among lawmakers and constituents. Supporters argue that the introduction of a nonpartisan commission invites greater citizen involvement and can diminish gerrymandering—the manipulation of electoral district boundaries for partisan advantage. Conversely, critics may see potential drawbacks in relinquishing legislative control over the redistricting process, expressing concerns that the commission’s decisions might not reflect specific local needs or political realities. This debate underscores deep-rooted tensions surrounding electoral reform and representation.

Contention

The primary points of contention regarding HJR5 revolve around the balance of power between the legislature and a citizen commission. Proponents of the bill emphasize the importance of fostering democratic participation and eliminating bias in district drawing. However, detractors caution against the potential for citizen groups to lack the nuanced understanding of local issues that elected officials possess. The requirement for a two-thirds majority vote to reject the commission’s plan also raises concerns about the thoroughness and consequences of such a decision on local governance.