Redistricting: Who Should Draw the Lines? The Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission as a Model for Change

This Note discusses the background and development of redistricting law as well as current issues facing redistricting. This Note suggests that the redistricting process across the country is flawed and that states still have major obstacles to overcome in order to grant all voters their constitutional right of fair representation. However, several states, including Arizona, have addressed the challenges states face in redistricting by establishing independent commissions to balance state interests and fairly draw district lines protecting both majority and minority interests. Ultimately, by creating legitimately independent redistricting commissions, states may have a better chance at developing a fair redistricting plan the first time, thereby increasing efficiency, avoiding lengthy litigation, and legitimizing the redistricting process.