I don’t think an independent commission mandate would be workable in time for the current redistricting cycle.
But, provisions banning unnecessary splits of counties/subdivisions could be and, while not eliminating gerrymandering, would help rein in its most extreme excesses.
But, provisions banning unnecessary splits of counties/subdivisions could be and, while not eliminating gerrymandering, would help rein in its most extreme excesses.
Simple, easy-to-follow rules - i.e., "if X districts can fit within a county, they must be drawn" and "only split the minimum number of municipalities necessary to create equally populous districts" - would go a long way, and would probably have the best chance of passing.
And, contrary to the situation 20-30 years ago, I'd argue rules like these would not only rein in the most extreme gerrymandering but would be *increase* minority opportunities to win congressional seats...
Take NC, for example. Back in 1992, it took a snakelike district stretching from Charlotte to Durham to elect a Black candidate. Today, a district entirely within Mecklenburg Co. - #NC12 - comfortably elects a Black candidate of choice.
Today, consider Cincinnati. In the current GOP map, Hamilton Co. is split in two, diluting Black votes. If Ohio were forced to draw a district entirely within Hamilton Co. (which is possible!), it would virtually guarantee a new opportunity for a minority candidate.
Bottom line: the nation's voting patterns have evolved in such a way that the goals of 1) curbing gerrymandering and 2) preserving/enhancing minority opportunities are no longer in that much tension. At the moment, it presents a strong opportunity for Congress.
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