SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse lawmakers have approved a local law to appoint an independent commission to redraw city election districts by 2022. Before it can take effect, however, it needs approval from Syracuse voters.

The Common Council approved an amendment to the city charter to allow an independent group to draw new council districts after the next U.S. Census.

The amendment passed by a vote of 7 to 1 Monday. Councilor Joe Carni voted no. Councilor Chad Ryan was absent.

That amendment must be approved by a majority of city voters in a referendum in November in order to take effect.

Several election reform advocates attended the council meeting Monday to show support, including Democratic Election Commissioner Dustin Czarny. They applauded after the vote.

Czarny said Syracuse would be the first city east of the Mississippi to adopt independent redistricting if it’s approved by voters. He said Syracuse could become a statewide and national model for election reforms.

“It’s the best way to fight gerrymandering and to make sure one political party can’t draw districts to benefit themselves. The citizens get to draw it," Czarny said. "There’s no better example of the use of government power.”

If approved, Syracuse would likely adopt a model used in Austin, Texas for creating a commission.

Every 10 years, the city would appoint a group to draw election districts using data from the U.S. Census. Half of that group would be chosen by random lots from among people who applied to be on the commission, according to Czarny. That random group would then choose the other half of its members.

Council districts must be drawn relatively evenly in size, according to rules in the city charter.

Councilor Carni, a Republican who represents the 1st council district, was the lone voice of dissent on the council.

He said the council, whose members are elected, should have a say in how district lines are drawn.

Carni referenced a previous comment from his fellow councilor, Khalid Bey, who questioned whether the council should abdicate one of the few authorities it has.

Despite his previous concerns, Bey voted yes Monday.

“What we’re talking about is political interests versus the interests of the people,” he said. “We’ve experienced the type of gerrymandering that disenfranchises voters...This legislation in support of independent redistricting is an absolute no-brainer.”