NJ Redistricting Commission Comes Under Fire

The New Jersey Apportionment commission meets every ten years to draw a new map utilizing data from the U.S. Census. It’s made up of 10 appointees -- five Democrats and five Republicans. This time around, all of them have  direct ties to the most influential party machines in the state.  

"There's no ordinary voter in this state that would look at who was appointed, why and what, you know, political string they're tied to and say 'Yes, that process seems like that accurately represents my best interests'" said Jess Burns, executive director of the New Jersey League of Women voters.

The Democratic appointee are allies of South Jersey boss George Norcross, and representatives of the Essex, Hudson and Bergen County organizations in the north. There's only one woman, and not a single member from the Latinx community.

"And I think the fact that they haven't even reached out to to have these conversations with Latino leaders is just very disappointing," said Patricia Campos Medina of Latinas United for Political Empowerment.

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