Report: NY Redistricting “Rigged,” Hurts Democracy

A good-government group says New York's process to redraw election district lines is rigged, erodes democracy and contributes to lower voter turnout.

The report by Citizens Union Monday is the latest study to analyze past redistricting efforts to try to improve the current process.

Citizens Union found 96 percent of incumbents have been re-elected since 2002.

Under the system, majority parties in the Senate and Assembly draw their own lines.

The study found fewer races were considered competitive and New York had the fourth lowest voter turnout in the nation last year. Less than 35 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot for governor.

The state's redistricting task force promises a fairer and less partisan effort.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo also promised to veto any highly partisan plan.