Kentucky should establish an independent commission that oversees the state’s redistricting process, according to a new report from the Kentucky League of Women Voters.
Currently, state lawmakers have the power to draw new boundaries for legislative and congressional districts at least once every 10 years.
The process usually takes place after new census data comes out every 10 years — the current district boundaries are based on the 2010 census.
Susan Weston, a policy consultant with the Kentucky League of Women Voters, said an independent commission would help keep lawmakers from drawing districts that protect incumbents in elections.
“Their charge would need to be: you are to make a map that meets the set of criteria of ensuring opportunities for minority communities and then getting districts as compact as you can,” Weston said.
The study argues that incumbent lawmakers are less willing to work across party…
