This release prepared and issued by Syracuse City Redistricting Commission
Under federal law, communities are responsible for redrawing districts based on the new census data every ten years. Redrawing line addresses population changes, which directly impacts the apportionment of congressional districts, distribution of federal funds, and local elections. Redistricting may also occur to ensure districts have equal populations.
The City of Syracuse’s Audit Department has been responsible for ramping up the process. It received 103 applications and selected 8 Commissioners to serve.[1] The commissioners represent a diverse range of residents by age, race, ethnicity, socio-economic background, education, and neighborhoods.
The SCRC is committed to an inclusive, thoughtful, and transparent process to avoid the partisanship of other commissions. Additionally, the commission’s intentionality incorporates best practices and resources to ensure the process is fair and respective.
Over the next 7-9 months, the SCRC will work to
- Rebalance district populations
- Meet the constitutional principle of “one person, one vote”
- Ensure districts are geographically contiguous and reflect the community’s interests and diversity
The SCRC has contracted the New York Census and Redistricting Institute at New York Law School and The Benjamin Center at SUNY New Paltz to support its work. They will assist the SCRC with GIS mapping, understanding the legal implications, and most importantly, developing a comprehensive community outreach plan. The community will have numerous opportunities to share their input via public meetings, social media, etc., as the SCRC is committed to an open and inclusive process.
Regular updates, meeting notices, and information about the SCRC will be available on the SCRC’s Facebook, Instagram and other channels. Additionally, there will be a link to its page on the City of Syracuse’s website.
Please connect with the Redistricting Commission via the handles @citysyracuse_rc on Instagram and Twitter and City of Syracuse Redistricting Commission’s Page on Facebook. Emails can be sent to syrredistricting@gmail.com. Inquiries can also be made to (315) 448-8595. Visit our website at syrredistricting.carrd.co
[1] Baker, Chris. “Syracuse randomly selects 8 people to redraw election districts; Who are they?” July 2, 2021. https://www.syracuse.com/news/2021/07/syracuse-randomly-selects-8-people-to-redraw-election-districts-who-are-they.html
FOR MORE INFORMATION: CONTACT JIHAN RAMROOP
(315) 448-8595
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