Nevada Voter Challenges Redistricting Ballot Initiative
UPDATE: Also today, a second lawsuit was filed challenging an almost identical ballot initiative that would establish an independent redistricting commission for all redistricting after 2030.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, a Nevada voter filed a lawsuit challenging a 2024 ballot initiative that would create an independent redistricting commission in the state.
The challenged ballot initiative, proposed by Fair Maps Nevada PAC, would establish a seven member Independent Redistricting Commission that would draw congressional and legislative districts (as opposed to the Legislature) starting in 2027.
The lawsuit alleges that this ballot initiative violates the Nevada Constitution because the measure would require government spending to create the new independent redistricting commission, but does not provide how revenue would be raised. Additionally, the plaintiff alleges that the petition does not include a statement explaining that the ballot initiative would result in mid-cycle redistricting and undo the maps drawn by the Legislature.
The lawsuit argues that the plaintiff also alleges that the ballot initiative’s description is “legally deficient” because it fails to include the fact that the initiative will result in state spending. According to the lawsuit, an extremely similar ballot initiative was disqualified for the same reason in 2019.
The lawsuit argues that the initiative violates the Nevada Constitution and Nevada law and should therefore not be on the 2024 general election ballot.