Judge Hall Proposes Boundary Options to Appease Second-Guessing of Supreme Court

Post Crescent — A state district judge is proposing two options for revamping political districts of the state House of Representatives to comply with directives from New Mexico's highest court.

One of the plans suggested by retired District Judge James Hall will cost the Santa Fe area a legislative seat held by House Speaker Ben Lujan, who plans to retire after serving 19 terms in the House.

Hall is giving lawyers until Thursday to comment on the proposals. He will adopt a final redistricting plan by next Monday.

The Supreme Court overturned a redistricting plan Hall approved last month and directed him to draw a new map. The state's highest court on Tuesday released a written opinion giving a detailed explanation of its redistricting order made earlier this month.

District boundaries must be realigned to adjust for population changes during the past decade. The goal is equalize district populations as much as possible to comply with the doctrine of one person, one vote — ensuring that each New Mexican's vote is of equal weight. Read full story here: News New Mexico

Judge Hall Proposes Boundary Options to Appease Second-Guessing of Supreme Court