© 2025 New Hampshire Public Radio

Persons with disabilities who need assistance accessing NHPR's FCC public files, please contact us at publicfile@nhpr.org.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Donate today to help protect the future of public radio.

Sununu Vetoes Bill to Create Independent Legislative Redistricting in N.H.

N.H. State House
Allegra Boverman for NHPR
N.H. Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed an independent redistricting panel bill for the second year in a row on July 31, 2020.

Gov. Chris Sununu has vetoed a bill to create an independent redistricting committee.

In his veto message, Sununu called gerrymandering rare in New Hampshire, and said lawmakers should have the right to determine their own process for drawing districts.

Sununu also cited a need for caution before making what he termed “wholesale changes to systems that have proven themselves to work for NH.”

Under the vetoed bill, an independent committee would draw legislative districts. Lawmakers would retain final approval.

Sununu vetoed a similar bill last year. That measure enjoyed bipartisan support, particularly in the state senate, where it passed unanimously.

In the wake of Sununu’s veto last year, the issue has become more partisan. This year’s independent redistricting bill cleared both chambers on near party line votes.

Redistricting typically takes place every 10 years, following the U.S. census.

Related: Veto Tracker: Sununu Rejecting Record Number of Bills

I cover campaigns, elections, and government for NHPR. Stories that attract me often explore New Hampshire’s highly participatory political culture. I am interested in how ideologies – doctrinal and applied – shape our politics. I like to learn how voters make their decisions and explore how candidates and campaigns work to persuade them.
Related Content

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.