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Washington Advancement of Date for Completion of Redistricting Plan, Senate Joint Resolution No. 8210 (2016)
| Washington SJR 8210 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Election date November 8, 2016 | |
| Topic Redistricting measures | |
Status Approved | |
| Type Constitutional amendment | Origin State legislature |
The Washington Advancement of Date for Completion of Redistricting Plan Amendment, also known as Senate Joint Resolution No. 8210, was on the November 8, 2016, ballot in Washington as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment. It was approved.
| A "yes" vote supported requiring the state redistricting commission to complete redistricting for state legislative and congressional districts by November 15 of each year ending in a one, which is 46 days earlier than was required. |
| A "no" vote opposed requiring redistricting to be complete by November 15, thereby leaving the deadline of January 1 of each year ending in a two in place.[1] |
Senate Joint Resolution No. 8210 received unanimous support in the Washington Legislature.[2]
Election results
| SJR 8210 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 2,246,030 | 77.32% | ||
| No | 658,927 | 22.68% | ||
- Election results from Washington Secretary of State
Text of measure
Ballot title
The official ballot text read as follows:[3]
| “ | The legislature has proposed a constitutional amendment on the deadline for completing state legislative and congressional redistricting.
This amendment would require the state redistricting commission to complete redistricting for state legislative and congressional districts by November 15 of each year ending in a one, 46 days earlier than currently required. Should this constitutional amendment be: [ ] Approved [ ] Rejected[4] |
” |
Ballot summary
The official explanatory statement read as follows:[3]
| “ | The Constitutional Provision as it Presently Exists
Article II, section 43 of the Washington State Constitution requires that a commission be established every ten years to redistrict state legislative and congressional districts. Redistricting means determining the geographic boundaries of state legislative and congressional districts for election purposes. The commission must be established in January of each year ending in a one. The commission is required to approve a redistricting plan by no later than January 1 of each year ending in a two. If the commission does not approve a plan by January 1 of a year ending in a two, the Washington Supreme Court must adopt a plan by April 30 of that year. The Legislature may amend the redistricting plan by two-thirds vote within the first 30 days of the first legislative session convened after the commission submits its plan to the Legislature. The Effect Of The Proposed Amendment, if Approved The amendment would require the state redistricting commission to approve a redistricting plan for state legislative and congressional districts by November 15 of each year ending in a one. This would, in effect, shorten the time for the commission to complete a redistricting plan by 46 days (for example, the commission would need to approve the next redistricting plan by November 15, 2021, rather than the current deadline of January 1, 2022). All other deadlines for redistricting would remain the same.[4] |
” |
Constitutional changes
The measure amended Section 43 of Article II of the Constitution of Washington:[1]
Note: Hover over the text and scroll to see the full text.
(1) In January of each year ending in one, a commission shall be established to provide for the redistricting of state legislative and congressional districts.
(2) The commission shall be composed of five members to be selected as follows: The legislative leader of the two largest political parties in each house of the legislature shall appoint one voting member to the commission by January 15th of each year ending in one. By January 31st of each year ending in one, the four appointed members, by an affirmative vote of at least three, shall appoint the remaining member. The fifth member of the commission, who shall be nonvoting, shall act as its chairperson. If any appointing authority fails to make the required appointment by the date established by this subsection, within five days after that date the supreme court shall make the required appointment.
(3) No elected official and no person elected to legislative district, county, or state political party office may serve on the commission. A commission member shall not have been an elected official and shall not have been an elected legislative district, county, or state political party officer within two years of his or her appointment to the commission. The provisions of this subsection do not apply to the office of precinct committee person.
(4) The legislature shall enact laws providing for the implementation of this section, to include additional qualifications for commissioners and additional standards to govern the commission. The legislature shall appropriate funds to enable the commission to carry out its duties.
(5) Each district shall contain a population, excluding nonresident military personnel, as nearly equal as practicable to the population of any other district. To the extent reasonable, each district shall contain contiguous territory, shall be compact and convenient, and shall be separated from adjoining districts by natural geographic barriers, artificial barriers, or political subdivision boundaries. The commission's plan shall not provide for a number of legislative districts different than that established by the legislature. The commission's plan shall not be drawn purposely to favor or discriminate against any political party or group.
(6) The commission shall complete redistricting as soon as possible following the federal decennial census, but no later than January 1st November 15th of each year ending in two one. At least three of the voting members shall approve such a redistricting plan. If three of the voting members of the commission fail to approve a plan within the time limitations provided in this subsection, the supreme court shall adopt a plan by April 30th of the year ending in two in conformance with the standards set forth in subsection (5) of this section.
(7) The legislature may amend the redistricting plan but must do so by a two-thirds vote of the legislators elected or appointed to each house of the legislature. Any amendment must have passed both houses by the end of the thirtieth day of the first session convened after the commission has submitted its plan to the legislature. After that day, the plan, with any legislative amendments, constitutes the state districting law.
(8) The legislature shall enact laws providing for the reconvening of a commission for the purpose of modifying a districting law adopted under this section. Such reconvening requires a two-thirds vote of the legislators elected or appointed to each house of the legislature. The commission shall conform to the standards prescribed under subsection (5) of this section and any other standards or procedures that the legislature may provide by law. At least three of the voting members shall approve such a modification. Any modification adopted by the commission may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the legislators elected and appointed to each house of the legislature. The state districting law shall include the modifications with amendments, if any.
(9) The legislature shall prescribe by law the terms of commission members and the method of filling vacancies on the commission.
(10) The supreme court has original jurisdiction to hear and decide all cases involving congressional and legislative redistricting.
(11) Legislative and congressional districts may not be changed or established except pursuant to this section. A districting plan and any legislative amendments to the plan are not subject to Article III, section 12 of this Constitution.[4]
Support
Senate Joint Resolution 8210 (SJR 8210) was sponsored by Sens. Mark Schoesler (R-9), Sharon Nelson (D-43), and Mark Mullet (D-5).[1]
Supporters
- King County Democrats[5]
- 43rd District Democrats[6]
- 45th District Democrats[7]
- Northwest Progressive Institute[8]
- Fuse Washington[9]
Arguments
Sen. Mark Schoesler (R-9), Sen. Sharon Nelson (D-34), Sen. Sam Hunt (D-22), Rep. Jeff Holy (R-6), and former Secretary of State Ralph Munro (R) wrote the argument in support of SJR 8210 found in the official voter guide:[3]
| “ | Washington has one of the nation’s best redistricting systems – SJR 8210 makes it better
Thirty years ago, Washington voters established a bipartisan commission to redraw political boundaries every ten years as the population grows and shifts. This system avoids controversial, partisan redistricting and has become a model followed by numerous states. SJR 8210 acknowledges that digital technology now enables the commission to work more efficiently. This simple yet important change shortens a year-long process by six weeks, offering benefits to voters and taxpayers alike. Increased Public Input: SJR 8210 ensures new boundaries are adopted before busy year-end holidays The public plays a vital role in the drawing of legislative and congressional districts. Yet the past three redistricting plans were adopted during year-end holidays, limiting public feedback and input. SJR 8210 sets a final deadline of November 15, ensuring the plan is adopted when the public is better able to provide feedback. Good Government: SJR 8210 allows adequate time to implement new boundaries, saves taxpayer dollars The current January 1 deadline leaves county officials little time to implement new boundaries before spring elections; a November 15 deadline resolves this and closes the redistricting office many weeks sooner, saving taxpayers thousands of dollars. Common Sense: Overwhelming bipartisan support for SJR 8210 This common-sense reform passed the Legislature unanimously this year. Please Vote Yes![4] |
” |
Sen. Mark Schoesler (R-9) and David Elliott of the Office of the Secretary of State testified in the Washington Senate in support of SJR 8210. Legislative staff summarized their argument as follows:[10]
| “ | Every time, redistricting goes down to the final minutes to be completed. Under current law, staff and members must work through the holiday season. Making this change will give candidates certainty where their districts are going to be and who their constituents will be further in advance. This bill gives county election officials additional time to prepare new precinct lines and take candidate filings. Candidate filings have moved to May to accommodate federal law, and this would restore the time county auditors have to do that work.[4] | ” |
Campaign finance
| Total campaign contributions: | |
| Support: | $0.00 |
| Opposition: | $0.00 |
As of February 17, 2017, no ballot question committees registered to support or oppose Senate Joint Resolution 8210.[11]
Media editorials
Support
- The News Tribune said: "Senate Joint Resolution No. 8210 merits the same full-throated support it received from the 2016 Legislature. State officials aren’t known for unanimously agreeing on many things, but they came together for a common-sense tweak to the way state political maps are redrawn every 10 years."[12]
- The Spokesman-Review said: "This would give county officials more time to implement new boundaries. The amendment passed unanimously in the House and Senate, so it’s not a politically charged matter. Advanced computer programs make redistricting an easier task, so the earlier deadline is reasonable. We recommend adoption."[13]
- The Seattle Times said: "Why is Nov. 15 a better deadline that Jan. 1, as the law currently requires? It would enable the public to play a more active roll in the process, since the last three redistricting plans were adopted during the December holidays — when most people were focused on family celebrations."[14]
- The Stranger said: “This resolution would make the deadline November 15. Pay attention to redistricting! And to gerrymandering! Vote yes on Joint Resolution No. 8210!”[15]
- Yakima Herald said: "The last time out, the panel bumped up hard against its Jan. 1, 2012, deadline. This measure orders the commission to finish its work 45 days earlier, making the deadline for the next commission in mid-November 2021. The state Senate passed the resolution 46-0 and the House 97-0. This is essentially a housekeeping measure that warrants approval."[16]
Opposition
Ballotpedia has not yet found any editorial board endorsements in opposition to Senate Joint Resolution No. 8210. If you know of one, please email editor@ballotpedia.org.
Background
- See also: Redistricting in Washington
In Washington, congressional and state legislative district boundaries are drawn by a five-member independent commission. The commission was established by constitutional amendment in 1983.[17] Voters approved the amendment in a 61 to 39 percent split.
The majority and minority leaders of the Washington Senate and Washington House of Representatives each appoint one registered voter to the commission. These four commissioners appoint a fifth, non-voting member to serve as the commission's chair. In the event that the four voting commissioners cannot agree on a chair, the Washington Supreme Court must appoint one.[17]
The Washington Constitution stipulates that no commission member may have been an elected official or party officer in the two-year period prior to his or her appointment. Individuals who have registered with the state as lobbyists within the past year are also prohibited from serving on the commission.
The Washington State Legislature may amend the commission's maps by a two-thirds vote in each legislative chamber.
Section 43 of Article II of the state constitution requires that congressional and state legislative districts "should be contiguous, compact, and convenient, and follow natural, geographic, artificial, or political subdivision boundaries." The constitution states that the redistricting commission "must not purposely draw plans to favor or discriminate against any political party or group."
State statutes require that congressional and state legislative districts "preserve areas recognized as communities of interest." State statutes also require the commission to draw districts that "provide fair and effective representation" and "encourage electoral competition."
Path to the ballot
- See also: Amending the Washington Constitution
A two-thirds vote in both chambers of the Washington State Legislature was required to refer the amendment to the ballot. Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 8210 unanimously passed both the senate and the house on February 15, 2016, and March 4, 2016, respectively. SJR 8210 was filed with the secretary of state's office on March 9, 2016.[2]
Senate vote
February 15, 2016
| Washington SJR 8210 Senate Vote | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 46 | 100.00% | ||
| No | 0 | 0.00% | ||
House vote
March 4, 2016
| Washington SJR 8210 House Vote | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 97 | 100.00% | ||
| No | 0 | 0.00% | ||
State profile
| Demographic data for Washington | ||
|---|---|---|
| Washington | U.S. | |
| Total population: | 7,160,290 | 316,515,021 |
| Land area (sq mi): | 66,456 | 3,531,905 |
| Race and ethnicity** | ||
| White: | 77.8% | 73.6% |
| Black/African American: | 3.6% | 12.6% |
| Asian: | 7.7% | 5.1% |
| Native American: | 1.3% | 0.8% |
| Pacific Islander: | 0.6% | 0.2% |
| Two or more: | 5.2% | 3% |
| Hispanic/Latino: | 12% | 17.1% |
| Education | ||
| High school graduation rate: | 90.4% | 86.7% |
| College graduation rate: | 32.9% | 29.8% |
| Income | ||
| Median household income: | $61,062 | $53,889 |
| Persons below poverty level: | 14.4% | 11.3% |
| Source: U.S. Census Bureau, "American Community Survey" (5-year estimates 2010-2015) Click here for more information on the 2020 census and here for more on its impact on the redistricting process in Washington. **Note: Percentages for race and ethnicity may add up to more than 100 percent because respondents may report more than one race and the Hispanic/Latino ethnicity may be selected in conjunction with any race. Read more about race and ethnicity in the census here. | ||
Presidential voting pattern
- See also: Presidential voting trends in Washington
Washington voted for the Democratic candidate in all seven presidential elections between 2000 and 2024.
Pivot Counties (2016)
Ballotpedia identified 206 counties that voted for Donald Trump (R) in 2016 after voting for Barack Obama (D) in 2008 and 2012. Collectively, Trump won these Pivot Counties by more than 580,000 votes. Of these 206 counties, five are located in Washington, accounting for 2.43 percent of the total pivot counties.[18]
Pivot Counties (2020)
In 2020, Ballotpedia re-examined the 206 Pivot Counties to view their voting patterns following that year's presidential election. Ballotpedia defined those won by Trump won as Retained Pivot Counties and those won by Joe Biden (D) as Boomerang Pivot Counties. Nationwide, there were 181 Retained Pivot Counties and 25 Boomerang Pivot Counties. Washington had four Retained Pivot Counties and one Boomerang Pivot County, accounting for 2.21 and 4.00 percent of all Retained and Boomerang Pivot Counties, respectively.
More Washington coverage on Ballotpedia
- Elections in Washington
- United States congressional delegations from Washington
- Public policy in Washington
- Endorsers in Washington
- Washington fact checks
- More...
Related measures
- See also: Redistricting measures on the ballot
| Redistricting measures measures on the ballot in 2016 | |
|---|---|
| State | Measures |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Redistricting Commission Amendment, Constitutional Amendment T  |
Recent news
The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for the terms Washington Redistricting 8210. These results are automatically generated from Google. Ballotpedia does not curate or endorse these articles.
See also
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Washington Legislature, "Senate Joint Resolution 8210," accessed August 12, 2016
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Washington Legislature, "SJR 8210 - 2015-16," accessed August 12, 2016
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Washington Secretary of State, "Voters Guide," accessed September 13, 2013
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source. Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content Cite error: Invalid<ref>tag; name "quotedisclaimer" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ King County Democrats, "Endorsements 2016," accessed September 13, 2016
- ↑ 43rd District Demorats, "Endorsement considerations for September 2016 Meeting," accessed September 14, 2016
- ↑ 45th District Democrats, "Endorsements for 2016: Ballot Measures," accessed September 13, 2016
- ↑ Northwest Progressive Institute, "Ballot Measure Endorsements for 2016," accessed September 13, 2016
- ↑ Fuse Washington, "Progressive Voter Guide," accessed September 13, 2016
- ↑ Washington Legislature, "Senate Bill Report - SJR 8210," accessed September 14, 2016
- ↑ Washington Public Disclosure Commission,"Committee search 2016," accessed September 13, 2016
- ↑ The News Tribune, "We endorse: Earlier redistricting deadline (SJR 8210), and yes on tax advisory votes," October 19, 2016
- ↑ The Spokesman-Review, "Kreidler earns support; yes on SJR 8210," October 25, 2016
- ↑ The Seattle Times, "The Times recommends: Approve constitutional amendment on redistricting," November 4, 2016
- ↑ The Stranger, "The Stranger's Endorsements for the November 2016 General Election," October 18, 2016
- ↑ Yakima Herald, "Endorsements: Reject these ballot initiatives," October 20, 2016
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 All About Redistricting, "Washington," accessed May 6, 2015
- ↑ The raw data for this study was provided by Dave Leip of Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections.
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