The Albany County Legislature passes a bill three years in the making.

Legislators voting 28 to 9 to create an independent redistricting commission.

The chair of the legislature, the majority and minority leaders, and chair of the legislative black caucus will select the initial four commissioners. From there, the four appointed commissioners will choose the remaining five members for a total of nine.

But opponents of this legislation say it's not independent since democrats will likely appoint three initial commissioners, while republicans select one. Those that voted for the bill say it's not about political parties but rather voting rights and being represented fairly. 

According to the law, the commissioners cannot be elected officials, party officers, family members, legislative staff, or candidates seeking office.

"So they're not going to be influenced by insiders," said Joanne Cunningham, one of the legislator who worked on the bill. "They're not going to be drawing maps for political favors or because of politics. We think that is really important."

This independent redistricting process was created following civil rights lawsuits. County residents will vote on this legislation in November.