Learn me on NJ Public Question 3 (redistricting) and how I should vote.
October 12, 2020 6:41 AM Subscribe
I seem somehow unable to sort through the implications of NJ Public Question 3, whether or not to delay legislative redistricting so that Census results can be more fully counted. Can you help me not waste my vote?
Hi--I'm voting in NJ and seem unable to figure out where I should stand on Public Question 3, which would create a constitutional amendment to postpone legislative redistricting til (2023 instead of 2021) so that Census results, delayed because of the pandemic, can be more accurately/fully counted.
1) On one hand, I know that there is significant concern that the pandemic has caused disproportionately lower responses in minority, poor, and other underrepresented households. I definitely want these households counted, and delaying the redistricting would theoretically allow this to happen.
2) On the other hand, if the current districts are unfairly drawn--and I read some articles which strongly implied/outright said that they are, in favor of Republicans--then obviously passing this Question would allow that to continue for another 2 years.
3) And third, a constitutional amendment seems ... potentially like a big change? Bc then it's enshrined in law, and there might be potential for abuse in the future? Wondering if it's overkill that someone is trying to shove through to take advantage of the situation. (Many ???s since it's all hypothetical, but downstream ramifications seem worth thinking about)
4) Lastly, I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly which elections would be affected during this 2-year period, and which members of legislature would be impacted, and thus what the implications from THOSE elections might be.
I feel a bit ashamed that I haven't been able to sort through all of this, but on the other hand, there's a lot going on and my bandwidth is low.
Can someone spell out what the implications and pros/cons are, to help me figure out where to fairly put my vote?
Thanks a million.
Hi--I'm voting in NJ and seem unable to figure out where I should stand on Public Question 3, which would create a constitutional amendment to postpone legislative redistricting til (2023 instead of 2021) so that Census results, delayed because of the pandemic, can be more accurately/fully counted.
1) On one hand, I know that there is significant concern that the pandemic has caused disproportionately lower responses in minority, poor, and other underrepresented households. I definitely want these households counted, and delaying the redistricting would theoretically allow this to happen.
2) On the other hand, if the current districts are unfairly drawn--and I read some articles which strongly implied/outright said that they are, in favor of Republicans--then obviously passing this Question would allow that to continue for another 2 years.
3) And third, a constitutional amendment seems ... potentially like a big change? Bc then it's enshrined in law, and there might be potential for abuse in the future? Wondering if it's overkill that someone is trying to shove through to take advantage of the situation. (Many ???s since it's all hypothetical, but downstream ramifications seem worth thinking about)
4) Lastly, I'm having a hard time figuring out exactly which elections would be affected during this 2-year period, and which members of legislature would be impacted, and thus what the implications from THOSE elections might be.
I feel a bit ashamed that I haven't been able to sort through all of this, but on the other hand, there's a lot
Can someone spell out what the implications and pros/cons are, to help me figure out where to fairly put my vote?
Thanks a million.
Best answer: The League of Women Voters is urging voters to vote NO, which a detailed explanation on why.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:00 AM on October 12, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:00 AM on October 12, 2020 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I don't live in New Jersey, but I follow redistricting. The Brennan Center for Justice, which has done a lot of work on redistricting, says this proposal might cause future problems.
posted by NotLost at 7:18 AM on October 12, 2020
posted by NotLost at 7:18 AM on October 12, 2020
Response by poster: Thank you all! Going with “no” and dropping my ballot tomorrow!
posted by alleycat01 at 5:11 PM on October 13, 2020
posted by alleycat01 at 5:11 PM on October 13, 2020
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posted by pyro979 at 6:51 AM on October 12, 2020