Fairness for Staten Islanders of color

"Over the past several decades, Staten Island has undergone a profound demographic transformation. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Black and Latino residents now make up nearly 30% of the borough's population, up from a bit more than 10% in 1980. These residents are raising families, building businesses, and contributing significantly to the social and economic life of the borough. Yet, when it comes to congressional representation, they are denied a meaningful voice."

"The court's ruling affirms that when communities are fractured or configured in ways that dilute their voting power, the state Constitution provides a solution. This case reinforces the rule of law and ensures that New York's redistricting process remains accountable to the people it is meant to serve, and now, it's up to the state's bipartisan Independent Redistricting Commission to deliver."

Staten Island has experienced a major demographic shift, with Black and Latino residents rising to nearly 30% of the borough's population from just over 10% in 1980. These residents are raising families, building businesses, and contributing to the borough's social and economic life, yet lack a meaningful voice in congressional representation. A court ruled that the current congressional district covering Staten Island is unconstitutional and ordered the Independent Redistricting Commission to draw a new map. The ruling affirms that the state Constitution can remedy configurations that dilute voting power and requires accountable redistricting that acknowledges growing communities of color.

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