To watch Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh's (R,C,I-Ballston) debate remarks on the A.10916, click here.

Today, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C,I-Ballston) and members in the Assembly Minority Conference voted against a redistricting bill (A.1916) which would make substantial changes to the Independent Redistricting Commission and the guidelines for redistricting.

This legislation, which is opposed by organizations such as the League of Women Voters andCitizens Union of the City of New York, comes only six years after New Yorkers approved a Constitutional Amendment that aimed to limit the Legislature’s influence over the drawing of new maps and included protections to ensure no one political party would control the redistricting process. It overturns the intent of previously supported redistricting changes and invalidates the voice of the public via the outcome of the 2014 referendum.

“Our government is founded on beliefs of a two-party system, and that to best serve all residents of New York state, we need to hear the opposing side and keep the power of checks and balances. This redistricting bill will work against us, against our free speech and against giving power to the people,” said Walsh. “This legislation is not just about politicians attempting to save their own jobs, it is about speech and a continuing pattern of blatant consolidation of power in the hands of one party. This is not what our constitution was founded on. This is not what democracy looks like.”

Following a second passage by the Legislature, this legislation will now be presented to the people of New York as a Constitutional Amendment on the Nov. 2, 2021 General Election ballot.

“Today, I voted against the passage of this legislation for the second time since July. My concerns remain the same and I strongly believe that it eliminates any opportunity for a fair and transparent redistricting process. However, now I fear that when this constitutional amendment comes to the ballot in November 2021, New Yorkers won’t care to know the implications of such a change. But, they should care – as a New Yorker, you should know that if this goes forward you could very well lose your current representative, no matter how well they serve the district, no matter how well they represent your voice in Albany – because of lines redrawn on a map.

“When you are faced with a ballot next Election Day, I encourage you to join me in opposing this proposal,” said Walsh.