Commission Membership Proposal

Examining the 2021 Commission: Although individually and collectively in general it was a commission of quality individuals who seemed to work well together, there were several objections from those who didn't like the plan they proposed. The Supreme Court State of Idaho, in it's decision, accepted the commission's plan L03. On examination it was found that Northern and Eastern Idaho were over represented on the Commission, Treasure Valley was under represented, and Southeast and South Central had no representation even though two commissioners were raised in Burley. With six commissioners each should be responsible for about six districts. The north Idaho subcommittee was responsible for seven districts. The Treasure Valley group had 16 districts and the East Idaho subcommittee had twelve districts. We have a suggestion that would help to solve this kind of problem.

A proposal concerning Idaho’s Reapportionment Commission: The number of commission members be increased from six to nine. That the commission have geographic balance with at least one commission member from each of the Health Districts. That the secretary of state appoint the members of the commission from a list of nominees submitted by the state majority and minority party chairs, the Senate Pro Temp and minority leader, and the House Speaker and minority leader. Each of them may submit up to three names in ranked order to the secretary of state in order for the Secretary of State to appoint on a geographic basis. The remaining three members shall be appointed by the secretary of state from applications or other means. These appointees shall be considered independent politically having not registered as a member of either of the major political parties nor run for office as a candidate of these parties for at least three election cycles. Recognized third parties in the state may submit names of individuals to the secretary of state.

Article III, Section 2.Item 2. would be amended by changing the word "six" to "nine" and adding the following "appointed by the Secretary of State from lists submitted. That the commission have geographic balance with at least one commission member from each of the Health Districts." The words "nominate one member" be replaced with the words "submit up to three names in ranked order" With the following sentences to be added after the sentence ending with, "one member." " The remaining three members shall be appointed by the secretary of state from applications or other means. These appointees shall be considered independent politically having not registered as a member of either of the major political parties nor run for office as a candidate of these parties for at least three election cycles. Recognized third parties in the state may nominate individuals to the secretary of state."

Be it enacted by the legislature of the State of Idaho that the constitution of the state be amended to read

Article III - Section 2. MEMBERSHIP OF HOUSE AND SENATE.

(2) Whenever there is reason to reapportion the legislature or to provide for new congressional district boundaries in the state, or both, because of a new federal census or because of a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, a commission for reapportionment shall be formed on order of the secretary of state. The commission shall be composed of nine members appointed by the Secretary of State from lists submitted. That the commission have geographic balance with at least one commission member from each of the Health Districts. The leaders of the two major political parties of each house of the legislature shall each submit up to three names in ranked order and the state chairs of the two largest political parties, determined by the vote cast for governor in the last gubernatorial election, shall each submit up to three names in ranked order. The remaining three members shall be appointed by the secretary of state from applications or other means. These appointees shall be considered independent politically having not registered as a member of either of the major political parties nor run for office as a candidate of these parties for at least three election cycles. Recognized third parties in the state may nominate individuals to the secretary of state. In the event any appointing authority does not select the members within fifteen calendar days following the secretary of states order to form the commission, such members shall be appointed by the Supreme Court. No member of the commission may be an elected or appointed official of the state of Idaho at the the time of designation or selection.

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