Onondaga County Democrats sued in 2022 Republicans and County Executive Ryan McMahon over maps they claimed were drawn improperly. A judge ruled that Onondaga County’s current district maps must be redrawn in September 2024. Republicans have since proposed new maps that reflect some small changes to districts. Democrats are proposing more changes to districts. Compare the new proposed maps to the current map below and email your comments to the county legislature ( onondagacountylegislature@ongov.net ) by December 3rd for the record or attend legislature’s next meeting on Tuesday, December 3 at 1:00pm at 401 Montgomery Street Room 407, Syracuse. Additional files on county’s website.
Map 1 vs Current Map
Map 2 vs Current Map
New York State law Section 34 of municipal home rule requires lines to be drawn in a manner that ensures:
- Districts are as nearly equal in population as is practicable;
- Districts are not drawn with the intent or result of denying equal opportunity of racial or language minority groups to participate in the political process;
- Districts consist of contiguous territory;
- The maintenance of cores of existing districts, of pre-existing political subdivisions including cities,
villages, and towns, and of communities of interest shall also be considered. - To the extent practicable, no villages, cities or towns except those having more than forty percent of a full ratio for each district shall be divided;
- Districts are not drawn to favor incumbents or any particular party or candidate; and
- Form to promote orderly and efficient administration of elections.
Carlo Moneti
I prefer Map 2 because it appears less gerrymandered. But I wish more detailed information was provided. I would rather see fewer districts but with multiple seats (3 minimum). The city of Syracuse especially is one economic unit; one district with multiple seats makes more sense. It would also naturally facilitate proportional representation if setup in conjunction with ranked voting system (Borda Count type).