Issues: Voter Protection

ARTICLE IIILegislature[Legislative power]Section 1. The legislative power of this state shall be vested in the senate and assembly.[Number and terms of senators and assemblymen]§2. The senate shall consist of fifty members,* except as hereinafter provided. The senators elected in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety-five shall hold their offices for three years, and their successors shall be chosen for two years. The assembly shall consist of one hundred and fifty members. The assembly members elected in the year one thousand nine hundred and thirty-eight, and their successors, shall be chosen for two years. (Amended by vote

Some common questions about the Redistricting process?

1. What role do U.S. Census figures play in redistricting?

2. What is redistricting?

3. What is reapportionment?

4. What requirements must the legislature follow?

5. What is the Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and reapportionment (LATFOR)?

6. How the bill becomes law.

7. What about an independent redistricting commission?

8. When will it take effect?

9. Why should I care?

10. How can I get involved?

11. How can I get redistricting data?

1. What role do U.S. Census figures play in redistricting?

The Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment was established by Chapter 45 of the New York State Laws of 1978 to research and study the techniques and methodologies used by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of the Census in carrying out the decennial federal census. The Task Force aids the Legislature by maintaining computer systems, developing databases, conducting hearings and developing Senate, Assembly and Congressional redistricting plans. LATFOR also conducts research projects relating to the collection and use of census data and other statistical information. The Task Force consists of six members, including four legislators and two non-legislators.

Attached are reports on demographic trends across New York, including data on Congressional districts, State Senate districts, county population changes as well as prisoner populations from 2000-2009.

Senator Martin Malavé Dilan, Co-Chair of the Legislative Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment, yesterday conducted the first in a series of public meetings to let the public and stakeholders weigh in on the upcoming 2012 redistricting process prior to the release of official U.S. Census results next week. Yesterday’s meeting in New York was attended by numerous speakers including voting rights advocates, good government groups and civic organizations. Each addressed the need for reforming the redistricting process.