Nassau Legislature Votes to Approve Redistricting

Nassau Republicans pushed forward Tuesday with their plan to redistrict the county, passing an amended map that Democrats say is clear gerrymandering into law, 10-8.

Republican Denise Ford, R-Long Beach, broke with party lines to join seven Democrats in voting against the measure. Robert Troiano, D-Westbury, was not present for the vote.

Democrats, during the special Tuesday session, took issue with the amendments added to the redistricting measure on May 16, and argued that another public hearing should take place.

“When you move 500,000 voters, you better tell them,” Minority Leader Diane Yatauro, D-Glen Cove, said. “It is not an amendment at all, but a substantial change.” She added, “There has been tremendous public opposition to your proposed redistricting."

Republicans had tabled the proposed redistricting last week after a New York State Supreme Court judge issued a temporary restraining order on the process, but an appeals court judge stayed the order, allowing the legislature to move forward.

The issue lands back in court on May 26, where a judge will decide on the legality of the redistricting issue.