INDIANAPOLIS—On Thursday, Senator Fady Qaddoura (D-Indianapolis) introduced two amendments to the redistricting proposal, House Bill 1581, that would have responded to requests from Hoosiers to take politics out of the redistricting process.

His first proposal would have changed the Republican proposed Senate map to one proposed by the Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission (ICRC). His second amendment sought to establish a nonpartisan redistricting commission to draw district maps in the 2030 cycle. Both amendments were defeated by the supermajority. 

“Throughout the entire redistricting process, I have heard from Hoosiers all over the state and in my district saying they want an Independent Redistricting Commission,” Senator Qaddoura said. “Hoosiers strongly believe that voters should choose their representation, not that politicians should get to choose their voters. I fully agree that we must remove the conflict of interest that arises from elected officials drawing their own districts.

“I strongly believe that an independent redistricting commission is the best way to preserve our democracy. That is why I was proud to offer an amendment making the ICRC’s map the new Senate district map. This map was drawn by an Indiana resident and selected by a diverse committee of community leaders that did not stand to gain anything politically from their decision. 

“How can we approve maps that will predetermine the outcome of elections for ten years and still call it a democracy? I will continue working with my colleagues across the aisle to reintroduce a constitutional amendment during the 2022 legislative session to create an independent redistricting commission in Indiana. I am committed to putting the control of the Legislature back into the hands of the voters.”