Supreme Court Upholds Independent Redistricting Panels

The U.S. Supreme Court “bolstered efforts to make federal elections more competitive, upholding an independent commission set up by Arizona voters to draw congressional districts,” Bloomberg reports.

“The 5-4 ruling is a setback to Arizona Republicans, who had hoped to redraw that state’s district map and potentially capture two more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. At the same time, the decision may prevent Democrats from shifting district lines in California, buttressing a similar commission there.”

Rick Hasen: “This is a huge victory not only for those who support redistricting commissions, but those who want to see election reforms done with the use of the initiative process and other tools for direct democracy.”