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1 Written Testimony of Yurij Rudensky, Redistricting Counsel, on H.B. 2575, Washington State Senate, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee, February 26, 2020 [1] (2020)

handle is hein.brennan/wtyrd0001 and id is 1 raw text is: BRENNAN CENTER Written Testimony of Yurij Rudensky, Redistricting Counsel Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law on H.B. 2575 Washington State Senate State Government, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee February 26, 2020 The Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law appreciates the opportunity to testify in support of House Bill 2575, which would guarantee transparency and meaningful public input in redistricting for Washington. The Brennan Center is a non-partisan law and policy institute that works to improve our nation's systems of democracy and justice. Redistricting reform has long been an integral part of this mission. Over the years, we have partnered with Republican and Democratic lawmakers and grassroots advocates to promote independent, community-driven, and transparent redistricting. We offer this testimony to highlight the importance of H.B. 2575 and strongly urge the bill's passage. Redistricting can be a process dominated by political insiders in backroom deals that produce gerrymandered maps. Washington's bipartisan commission, which requires the support of both Democratic and Republican members to pass maps, has helped the state avoid the most serious partisan gerrymandering issues. But while the current process helps ensure partisan fairness, it does not, at present, ensure that other important non- political interests are taken into account in the redistricting process. Since voters approved Washington's system nearly 40 years ago, there has been substantial experimentation and innovation in states across the country as to how to best ensure fair redistricting and effective representation. H.B. 2575 would allow Washington to modernize its redistricting commission to be consistent with best practices without a complete overhaul of the current process. To be clear, H.B. 2575 would not change Washington's commission structure, commissioner selection, or how maps are enacted. Instead, it would codify a public engagement process, ensure that future commissions operate with appropriate transparency, and give Washingtonians across the state meaningful opportunities for input. Specifically, the bill would enhance the current process in three concrete ways: 1 The views expressed in this testimony are made on behalf of the Brennan Center for Justice and not New York University School of Law. Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law 120 Broadway, Suite 1750 New York, NY 10271

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