A stronger voice for minorities?

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It's a plan that could change the course of Massachusetts politics for the next decade at least.

Massachusetts' redistricting committee unveiled their proposed re-drawing of the state's House and Senate districts Tuesday. The state's required to re-draw those district lines every ten years based on what population growth or decline the Census reveals. This time around, an explosion in minority populations has become a major factor in re-shaping representation.

The new plan would double the number of House districts where minorities have now become the majority. It would also create an additional Senate seat for Hampden County for the same reason.

Some minorities there told 22News it would be a welcome change to a system they feel doesn't currently represent them.

"I don't think so, that's my opinion," said Charles Sierra of Springfield, "but I don't think my voice- our voice- is [being heard in] the state. But hopefully, I wish, something will happen."

The proposed changes still need to be approved by the House and Senate. 22News asked diverse young Springfield voters what kind of candidate would best represent the possible new Senate district. Many agreed it would help if their representative shared their culture, but wouldn't necessarily base that on race.

"That can be dangerous, for the fact that you're doing it not because what you know of the person but because of how you feel about the person," pointed out Jonathan Ortiz, "and his presentation. It's not always the best thing to judge by its cover."

Dashawn Bethea added, "You need to find out everything about the person, about if they're going to work for your community with healthcare, unemployment and different things like that."

"It's what the issues are," said Jose Rodriguez. "We need to focus on that is who we need to put in that seat. Race doesn't really matter. It's what the problems are."

Lawmakers have not released any plans yet for Congressional re-districting. Those likely won't be unveiled until early November.