Feeling confused by the redistricting process? No problem! We've created a quick run-through of the seven steps to (hopefully) fair districts in New York:

1. The NY legislature appoints members to an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC). This step has already happened

2. In September, the IRC will be creating proposed district maps for the House of Representatives, State Assembly, and State Senate. The IRC will also announce dates for public hearings on the proposal

3. For at least 30 days, the IRC will receive written comments from any concerned people or groups. It must also hold public hearings (including one in each NYC borough) to hear public comments.

NOTE: If you want to get involved in redistricting, this is the best way to do it!

4. After receiving YOUR comments, the IRC will create a "second draft" of its proposed district maps. To be approved by the IRC, the proposed maps must be approved by 7/10 members OR receive the most votes out of several possible maps.

5. On January 1, 2022, the IRC sends its updated maps to the NY legislature. Both the Senate and Assembly must vote yes or no on the IRC's maps with no changes allowed.

If the legislature approves the IRC's maps, the process ends. If not, we move on to step 6

6. By February 28, 2022, the IRC sends new updated maps to the NY legislature that will hopefully respond to problems with the previous maps. Again, the Senate and Assembly must each vote yes or no with no changes allowed.

If the legislature STILL says no, we move on to step 7

7. After two votes against the IRC's proposed maps, the NY legislature is free to draw its own maps. Even then, though, the legislature is bound by certain new requirements for fair districts. More on those requirements tomorrow!

Redistricting can seem like a vague and difficult process, but we can work on understanding it together and work within our communities to follow and supervise the process to keep our government accountable #FairDistricts #EndGerrymandering