Let us back track to the year 2000. Since I know most of us have no recollection of that year because we were young kids — I will refresh your memory.
In 2000, Proposition 106 passed with 56 percent of Arizona citizens voting in approval. It essentially took the gerrymandering of Arizona's congressional districts out of the hands of the state Legislature and into the hands of an Independent Redistricting Commission.
Prop 106's official title on the ballot stated that it was "ending the practice of gerrymandering and improving voter and candidate participation in elections by creating an independent commission of balanced appointments to oversee the mapping of fair and competitive congressional districts."
A majority of Arizona citizens voted "yes" to the proposition because they felt they faced political redundancy with their winning district representatives. Prop 106 was curated to even out the playing field. Having an independent redistricting commission create district lines instead of the dominant party welcomes more political competition.
Since the predominantly Republican Arizona Legislature was no longer able to manipulate districts in ways that guaranteed a party win, it sued the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission. Attempting to overturn this voter referendum is not only a silly move, but a huge slap to the face of many Arizona voters who approved the proposal.
On March 2, the case was presented to the Supreme Court. The Legislature's main argument was the proposition's unconstitutionality according to Article One, Section Four of the U.S. Constitution, which states, "The times, places and manner of holding elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature thereof."
"The legislature" of a state is not clearly defined in this clause, however, the rebutting argument shed light on Article Four of Arizona's Constitution. This clause states, "The legislative authority shall be vested in the legislature, consisting of a senate and a house of representatives, but the people reserve the power to propose laws and amendments to the constitution and to enact or reject such laws and amendments at the polls, independently of the legislature.”
While the state Legislature takes "the legislature" in both clauses literally, the terminology is meant to reference the power of the people.
If the Supreme Court deems Prop 106 unconstitutional, then it would question the legitimacy of voter referendum's like Voter ID's and mail-in ballots. California, Hawaii, Idaho and Montana's independent commissions could also be in trouble. Not only that, but the Arizonan's who live in completely gerrymandered districts will begin to think — does my vote even matter?
Voting is the most powerful right we have as citizens. In each state, voters have the right to exercise their legislative authority. By declaring this proposition unconstitutional, the Legislature and the Supreme Court will be sending a big message: Our votes count more than yours.
No matter the outcome of this Supreme Court ruling we must remember that the government works for us. We must remember that we are a democracy, and we must remember that what we decide how we are governed.
The Arizona Legislature's hostility with the new redistricting system indicates that there is a major problem with the way our government is working.
It is evident Republican and Democrat parties have taken over, but — many Americans don't fit in either category. In 2014, nearly 42 percent of voters were registered as Independent, with 31 percent of voters registered as Democrats, with 25 percent registered as Republican.
Since less people are identifying with these prominent political parties, there is demand for a more diverse political representation. Seeing the state legislature sue an Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission should tell us that something is immensely wrong with our government. It is evident that the Legislature feels it should determine who wins and who doesn't — and that is not what a democracy is about.
Just as Abraham Lincoln concluded in his Gettysburg Address more than 150 years ago, "Government of the people, for the people, by the people — shall not perish from this Earth."
Reach the columnist at ambice@asu.edu or follow @AllieBice on Twitter.
Editor’s note: The opinions presented in this column are the author’s and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
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