ESTABLISH TEXAS INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMISSION BEFORE THE 2018 ELECTION

An independent and nonpartisan redistricting commission should be established in Texas well before the primaries in 2018. It is time to redraw districts for Texas Legislature and U.S. Congressional seats. The issue is a grossly gerrymandered state redistricting plan that seriously dilutes the voting strength of certain demographic and opposing groups. Texas is a Republican dominated state as a result of this inequity. Two courts have ruled against the existing plan. It wasn't on the special session agenda this summer. In the recent past many Republican incumbents or their successors have run unopposed or with minimal opposition. A fair and open process (unencumbered by legislative interference) should be required to ensure a democratic approach (with no closed door or hidden agendas.) Timing is of the essence.