Republicans in the state Senate have given initial approval to a measure that would ask voters to limit the population differences between Arizona’s 30 legislative districts.
The measure by Sen. J.D. Mesnard would require the state’s redistricting commission to create districts with a maximum difference of 5,000 people.
A 10% difference is considered constitutional, meaning districts can now vary by about 20,000 people.
Democrats oppose the measure and argue the change would greatly affect the ability of tribes and minority communities to elect representatives of their choice.
The Senate debated the measure Monday, and it still needs a formal vote.