SENATE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES REDISTRICTING PLAN

Bipartisan plan receives more than needed two-thirds support

AUGUSTA–Today in a unanimous vote, the Senate approved maps for new districts for the Maine House, Maine Senate, and Maine County Commissioners.

“I appreciate everyone working together to reach this unanimous, bipartisan report,” said Assistant Senate Majority Leader Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, who served on the Redistricting Commission. “It wasn’t always easy, but no one gave up. It’s nice to see a compromise on an issue as tricky as redistricting.”

Maine law requires legislative district and county commission maps be updated every 10 years based on population changes. The new maps are based on the 2010 census, which shows a shift in population from Northern to Southern Maine.

“Reapportionment happens once every decade. This is a big deal, and I’m proud of the work the commission did,” said Senator Emily Cain, D-Orono, a member of the Redistricting Commission. “This is what happens when reasonable people come together to have a principled negotiation and get something done for the people of Maine. This is true teamwork.”

The Maine Constitution requires the plan to be approved by a two-thirds vote of the legislature by June 11. If a two-thirds vote cannot be achieved, redistricting proposals are sent to the State Supreme Judicial Court for resolution.

“This is another example of how we are getting work done in a bipartisan way,” said Senate Majority Leader Seth Goodall, D-Richmond. “As President Alfond said on swearing-in day, let’s keep disappointing those people who are looking for a fight.”

LD 1557, An Act To Reapportion the Districts of the State Senate, State House of Representatives and County Commissioners, will now be sent to the Governor.

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