LINCOLN- In 2021 the officially nonpartisan body of the Legislature will be tasked with redistricting. In the previous attempt to successfully redistrict, the unicameral botched the job. The odds of one of the current senators being around the next time redistricting comes up is virtually impossible, yet long-term ramifications will ensure.

The process of redistricting should be done by an independent nonpartisan agency or commission, which a handful of states have already done. Gerrymandering also should have no place in redistricting-- especially in a nonpartisan body. Our neighbor, Iowa, shows how redistricting should be done. The state has an independent state office which draws up maps strictly on population and presents their maps to legislators for a simple vote.

With coronavirus throwing off census numbers, the final census figures will not be available until spring at the earliest, meaning the legislature will be deep into session. This also means that the unicameral will have to wing it. According to those numbers, three counties will hold 27 of the 49 seats. Senators are lining up to serve on this redistricting committee, as it has a powerful responsibility.

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