STATEMENT: CVH Applauds Legislature's Decision to Strike Down Problematic Redistricting Maps

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 26, 2024 (NEW YORK, NY) – Community Voices Heard, the largest Black-led organizing institution in New York State, issued the following statement today: 

We applaud the Legislature for voting down the Independent Redistricting Commission’s (IRC) problematic maps, which attempted to divide and dilute the power of Black and brown communities. 

The IRC’s process lacked transparency and ignored testimonies from local neighborhood groups to unite communities of color. A key principle of redistricting – ignored by the IRC – is keeping communities of interest together. This principle is especially important to communities that have been traditionally left out of the political process and might benefit from cohesive representation in the legislature.

Yet, the maps proposed by the IRC further divide Black and Latinx communities. When Black and Latinx communities are divided through redistricting, their political voice is further eroded. We know this is no accident. 

Equity must be the driving force behind new district maps. The Legislature must now do what the IRC failed to do: ensure our district maps truly reflect our communities so that all New Yorkers are fairly represented.