Update on the
Independent Redistricting Commission
Draft Map Hearings
Join us as we fight for fair and competitive maps!
Background: Every 10 years the Federal Government conducts a population census upon which legislative and congressional districts are drawn. The importance of the district lines cannot be overstated. They affect how resources are allocated, and how voters are represented for the next 10 years!
To avoid gerrymandering, a constitutional amendment specifies criteria upon which an Independent Redistricting Committee (IRC) should draw the lines guided by district competitiveness, compactness, and keeping communities of interest together.
What’s Happening Now? The IRC published draft maps for both Congressional (federal) and Legislative (state) districts and the public has until December 4th to comment. The maps for Northern Arizona are a disaster.
The legislative districts would split Sedona along county lines. The Yavapai portion of Sedona, West Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek would include Prescott. Sedona and the Verde Valley have little in common with Payson or Prescott.
The maps for Northern AZ create districts that are so uncompetitive it will ensure one party (Republican) representation for the next ten years. Elected representatives will have no motivation to be accountable to large sections of their constituents if they are in “safe” seats. Competition within districts fosters moderation because candidates must appeal to people with widely differing views.
Our congressional district is being redrawn to dilute progressive votes in Sedona, Flagstaff and on Native American Reservations. Paul Gosar or Ron Watkins of QAnon are favored to win by almost 8%.
If there was ever a time for you to stand up and be an activist,
THIS IS IT!
The Ask: We need you to testify before the Independent Redistricting Commissioners (for 2 minutes max). We must convince the IRC that Sedona and the Verde Valley should remain intact and not be paired with communities with which we have nothing in common.
How to Prepare for the Draft Map Hearings:
Zoom Prep Sessions: We are having two zoom sessions to prep you for testifying before the IRC at two in-person Draft Map Hearings.
Monday, November 15, 6 p.m. – The Yav Dems and 15/30 are hosting a Zoom training with Holli Ploog. This will prepare you for the Draft Map Hearing on Tuesday, November 16. If this it the only time you can attend, it will also help you for Saturday’s session in Prescott Valley. Register here.
Thursday, November 18 6-7 p.m. – The YavDems and 15/30 are hosting a Zoom training with Holli Ploog. This will prepare you for the Draft Map Hearing on Saturday, November 20.Register here
Draft Map Hearings:
Tuesday, November 16, 6 p.m. – Cottonwood Community Clubhouse, 805 N. Main St., Cottonwood, AZ 86326. This is across from the Colt Grill. Please register here to let us know you will be attending. This is not a signup to speak. You must do what when you arrive at the clubhouse. Please get there early to get a seat. To view the meeting virtually, see IRC website for link: https://irc.az.gov/public-meetings/draft-map-hearings.
Saturday, November 20, 10 a.m. – Prescott Valley Public Library, 7401 Skoog Blvd, Prescott Valley. Please register here to let us know that you will be attending on the 20th. This is not a signup to speak. You must do that when you arrive at the library. Please get there early (9am doors open) to insure you get a seat. If you cannot attend, click on the link to watch virtually at: https://azgov.webex.com/azgov/j.php?MTID=mc11a90254032969cfd391d71d65df1f1
Event number: 2450 915 6066 Event password: 2749bmN5d53 (27492665 from phones).
Find out how redistricting could impact the congressional district of U. S. Representative Tom O’Halleran (AZ-1) on Wednesday, November 17 at 6 p.m. for a special zoom conversation with the congressman. He will discuss legislation and recent events in Washington D.C., and what the Build Back Better plan will do for Arizona.