While the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission (NYIRC) has held a series of public hearings, Queens advocates have called on the commission to expand access to non-English speakers in upcoming public meetings.
Every 10 years, New York state is required to draw new district lines that accurately reflect population and demographic changes found in the most recent Census. In previous years, state legislators controlled the process. However, in 2014, New Yorkers voted on a referendum to hand over the responsibility to a new independent committee, the NYIRC.
