CCNM News:

In March 2014, the voters in Santa Fe passed a ballot measure to create an Independent Citizens’ Redistricting Commission, and last month the Santa Fe City Council established procedures for the Commission per the City Charter.

“Common Cause New Mexico (CCNM) was thrilled to see the independent redistricting measure pass in Santa Fe, and enjoyed working hand-in-hand with the League of Women’s’ Voters of Santa Fe County on the ballot measure and subsequent Council meetings to ensure the procedures are fair, transparent and independent,” CCNM Executive Director Viki Harrison said.

Every 10 years, following the completion of the United States Census, New Mexico’s state, municipal and federal political districts are re-drawn. Before establishing this Independent Commission, the Santa Fe City Council drew their own districts. This inherent conflict of interest allowed lines to be drawn behind closed doors based on political advantage rather than fair representation for citizens. The Independent Commission will provide a transparent process that gives Santa Fe residents a voice in the redistricting process. 

You can find all the details on the City Clerk’s website, which includes the following details on how to apply for a position on the Commission:

The seven-member Commission will be made up of citizens meeting the following criteria:

• City Resident/Voter District 1;
• City Resident/Voter District 2;
• City Resident/Voter District 3;
• City Resident/Voter District 4;
• City Resident/Voter or County Resident/Voter who is a statistician;
• City Resident/Voter or County Resident/Voter who is a geographer or cartographer; and
• City Resident/Voter in the newly annexed area.

Applications are available on the City Clerk’s website or in the Clerk’s office, and due by Jan. 15. The City Clerk will review applications for administrative completeness. Membership, plus one alternate per position, will then be decided by random lottery.

Applicants for the Commission may not be:

• An elected government official;
• Related by blood or marriage within the 2nd degree to an elected City official‘
• An elected City official within the last five years;
• A candidate for City official within the last five years;
• A city employee or current employee of any organizations representing any “employee bargaining unit” for employees of the City;
• Officer in a non-profit that participates in the electoral process through endorsements of candidates;
• Officer in a political committee;
• Officer in a political party; and
• Served as a paid campaign worker or paid campaign consultant for an elected City official within the last five years.

All applicants must agree not to run for City elected office for the two years following the expiration of the membership term.

Selection is expected to take place by the end of January 2015 and the Commission will start meeting Feb. 1, 2015, completing their work after at least seven public meetings by June 1, 2015.

“We’re pleased to see Santa Fe join the growing national movement for independent redistricting that allows voters to choose their elected officials rather than allowing officials to choose their voters,” Harrison said.

Common Cause New Mexico is dedicated to restoring the core values of American democracy, reinventing an open, honest and accountable government that serves the public interest, and empowering ordinary people to make their voices heard in the political process.