Episode 32767: Open Democracy Minute for February 14, 2022: A Week of Reckoning on NH Redistricting

You're listening to the Open Democracy Minute, keeping Granite State government by and for the people.  We expect a week of reckoning on the NH redistricting process.   Public statements by Governor Chris Sununu asked for changes to the gerrymandered Congressional map, one of a suite of rigged maps for NH Senate, Executive Council and NH House.   The House and Senate maps have now been approved by the Senate Election Law committee along party lines, and will be taken up by the full Senate this Wednesday.  Then HB 50 and SB 240 go back to the House, which is expected to “concur” on the amendments made last week.   For the Congressional and Executive Council maps, however, we are expecting a committee vote Monday, Jan. 14.  Whether we get amendments improving these maps is still not clear, and due to NH Senate rules, the public may not get another hearing, even if the substantial changes are made.  Last week’s amendment to HB 50 wasn’t available until the meeting started, no map was ever produced, and while the text of the amendment was finally shared - four days AFTER it was voted on in committee.  The redistricting process has been just about as transparent as a NH mud season.  As Granny D said, “Democracy is not something we HAVE, it's something we DO.”  For the Open Democracy Minute, I'm Brian Beihl.