Are the Voters in Charge?

Six New York state senators are facing no opposition this election cycle. All representing central New York, these five Republican and one Democrat incumbents do not have to worry about reelection pressures. It was questioned by a watchdog group, Citizens Union, as to why six neighboring districts virtually lack any competition, a necessity of elections in a democracy.

State Political Maps

Gerrymandering is the process in which politicians redraw voting district maps to favor themselves and their party. It is exactly what Citizens Unions is crying foul within central New York's bare election cycle. The group raised the issue in 2012 when New York commissioned to rezone its electoral districts. Gerrymandering has become such an issue in New York that it will be decided Nov. 4th, by voters.

The constitutional amendment will attempt to fix a lingering problem central New Yorkers have been facing for almost two decades. Let alone the rest of the state, central New York contained little competition since the 1998 elections. Interestingly, none of the six incumbents have voiced support for the controversial amendment. The amendment would create an independent commission to oversee redistricting instead of the current solution of a commission only advising the legislature's decision making.

It's controversy stems from the fact that the commissioners are selected by the legislature's leaders, calling opponents to say it's less of a solution than a glorified and expensive continuation of an already failing system.