Supreme Court Ruling On Independent Redistricting Comes As Indiana Studies The Issue

INDIANAPOLIS -- The U.S. Supreme Court Monday upheld the constitutionality of an independent redistricting commission in Arizona, a system that keeps the redrawing of legislative maps out of the legislature’s hands.  That decision could have a major impact on Indiana as lawmakers prepare to examine ways to take some of the politics out of electoral redistricting.

Indiana legislative leaders – both Republican and Democrat – who’ve long supported redistricting reform overcame a major hurdle this year by gaining support for a redistricting study committee.  Speaker Brian Bosma, one of the backers of the effort, says the committee is well equipped to react to the Supreme Court’s ruling as it prepares a recommendation for the future of Hoosier redistricting.

“That committee is a two-year committee. They’re charged with taking a long term view of this, with legal counsel at their side,” Bosma said.

Julia Vaughn, executive director of voter advocacy group Common Cause Indiana, says the Supreme Court ruling came as a huge relief to her, because she says it means everything will be on the table when lawmakers study redistricting.

“It allows us to have a full, complete, and thorough discussion about gerrymandering, its impact, and what the solutions to this problem are going to be,” Vaughn said.

Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane, a strong proponent of redistricting reform, says the Supreme Court decision paves the way for an Indiana redistricting commission.