When U.S census results are tallied each decade, it traditionally has been the task of state lawmakers and governors to redraw voting districts for seats in the U.S. House and state legislatures.

But a growing number of states have shifted that job to special commissions or made other changes that are intended to reduce the potential for partisan gerrymandering. That includes New York.

The goal is to make the partisan composition of a state's congressional delegation or legislature reflect as closely as possible the sentiment of the voters.

Under a New York state constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2014, a 10-member commission will draft districts for both the U.S. House of Representatives and the state Legislature. The majority and minority leaders of each chamber each appoint two members to the commission. Those eight members then select the other two commissioners.

Their maps are submitted to the Legislature for approval. Districts shall be compact and contiguous and shall not be drawn to discourage competition or to favor incumbents, particular candidates or political parties.