Griffo statement on redistricting amendment

June 5, 2026

Independent Redistricting Commission; Redistricting; Constitutional Amendment

“I am concerned that the Governor and Democratic-controlled Legislature are once again trying to circumvent the will of the people by advancing an amendment that would allow for partisan gerrymandering, mid-decade redistricting, and the redrawing of congressional district lines in New York.

In 2014, New Yorkers voted to approve a constitutional amendment that removed politics from the redistricting process. Then, in 2021, they rejected an attempt to weaken the Independent Redistricting Commission made by Democrats for their own advantage.

Despite the political tit-for-tat taking place across the country for control of Congress, New Yorkers have made it clear that they want a nonpolitical, fair and transparent redistricting process. The will and desire of the people should be respected and attempts to undermine it should be rejected.

Additionally, an initiative was advanced that aims to make ballot language, including a potential redistricting amendment, easier to understand. This text can sometimes be confusing, and the current process to determine what is stated leaves the door open for manipulation by the Executive Branch or other political forces to change the wording to sway voters in a certain direction.

To help address this issue, I have introduced legislation (S.7219) that would require ballot language to be clear and concise to help all voters comprehend the information. The bill also would implement additional mechanisms to ensure that the language remains neutral and is focused on informing voters rather than influencing them.”

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