Gray says special master's redistricting standards were identical to legislature's

District 6 State Senator Jim Gray (Rochester Voice file photo)

CONCORD - District 6 State Senator Jim Gray today lamented the fact that the state's governor vetoed the New Hampshire legislature's redistricting plan, which followed the same standards ultimately used by the Supreme Court's special master following the impasse with Gov. Chris Sununu.
Gray, R-Rochester, and chairman of the Election Law and Municipal Affairs Committee, issued the following statement today regarding the New Hampshire Supreme Court issuing its final order on the state's congressional district maps.
"Unfortunately, the governor vetoed the redistricting bills passed by the legislature," Gray said. "As a result, the Court has stepped in with its own congressional maps. The plan developed by the special master hired by the Court recognizes the federal one man-one vote requirement and complies with the other requirements found in our state constitution. These are the same standards that were used to create the redistricting maps developed by the General Court this legislative session."
The special master plan approved by the state's High Court made few changes, moving the small towns of Albany, Campton, Jackson, New Hampton and Sandwich from District 1 to District 2.
When the legislature and governor could not agree, the Supreme Court hired a Stanford law professor to redraw the map.
While agreeing it was a good thing to get the map drawn with the filing period now arrived, Gray was quick to point out redistricting is not supposed to be done by a special master.
"While we're now able to go forward with the candidate sign-up period and fall elections, redistricting remains a legislative process that is best done by those who are elected by and accountable to the people of New Hampshire," he said.