CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Republican Gov. Chris Sununu has vetoed a bill that would create an independent commission in New Hampshire to redraw the state’s legislative districts.
Sununu on Friday argued there was no need for the commission because gerrymandering was rare in the state and the current redistricting process was fair.
Supporters argue the current system that puts lawmakers in charge of redistricting allows for gerrymandering, in which boundaries are drawn to benefit the party in power. Democratic Rep. Marjorie Smith, of Durham, the prime sponsor of the bill, said she was devastated by Sununu’s veto and said it served to put party interest about those of Granite state residents.
While Democrats now hold majorities in both the House and Senate, the current district designations were approved in 2012, when Republicans controlled the Legislature.
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