After Failing in Pierre, Redistricting Forces Turn to Ballot

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — After years of trying to get South Dakota legislators to give control of redistricting to an independent commission, supporters of the idea are trying to do it instead through a constitutional amendment.

Backers say the measure before voters this November would eliminate lawmakers' conflict of interest and make people feel elections are fair to all parties.

Democratic Rep. Peggy Gibson has backed at least nine independent redistricting measures in the past few years. She says it's time for fair representation.

Opponents — including majority Republicans — say the current system is working fine and that the new push is intended to help Democrats.

The amendment would create a commission of nine people chosen each redistricting year to revise the legislative district boundaries.

Source: After Failing in Pierre, Redistricting Forces Turn to Ballot