A Great Opportunity for You to Make a Real Difference

A Great Opportunity for You to Make a Real Difference

Apply for the Citizens Redistricting Commission

Every 10 years, after the national census, all states participate in a redistricting process by which they re-draw the maps that define electoral districts for representatives of bodies like the Legislature and the Board of Equalization.  Each district is supposed to represent an equal share of the population, and – until now – it was the duty of the Legislature and the governor to oversee this process in California.

Voters changed that process in November of 2008 when they approved Proposition 11, also known as the Voters FIRST Act, which created California's first Citizens Redistricting Commission. This provides an exciting opportunity for California voters to become involved in redistricting. We hope you’ll consider applying to be a member of that commission.

In times past, the legislative districts were drawn with an emphasis on geographic location and population density. Each Senate district also included two corresponding Assembly districts within it. Districts were drawn regionally, some smaller and some larger, depending on population density.

In the year 2000, the California Legislature largely abandoned the previous guidelines and, by a nearly unanimous vote, drew what are now known as “safe” districts. They gerrymandered California’s population into districts where the voter registration was overwhelmingly Democrat or overwhelmingly Republican. That plan supposedly protected those already in office from serious challenges from the opposing party, and basically disenfranchises citizens who are unhappy with their current office holders.

Because the party affiliation in districts is so overwhelmingly one-sided today, it is nearly impossible to change a seat in the Legislature from one party to another. This has led to the polarization of the California Legislature. There is very little incentive for compromise. Politicians are now safe no matter how they vote, so they refuse to listen to opposing points of view – giving nearly unlimited influence to special interests with deep pockets. And the results are devastating.

California, once the fifth-largest economy in the world, is near bankruptcy despite its citizenry bearing one of the highest tax burdens in the nation. Central Valley farmers, who can’t get enough water pumped into their region to grow crops, now stand in lines at regional food banks to meet their most basic needs. Radical special interests push their agendas unimpeded through the Legislature, while the voice of the majority of California’s citizens is intentionally ignored. This is why voters passed Proposition 11. The current system disenfranchises the very citizens the politicians are elected to serve.

Evidenced by the latest poll numbers released just two weeks ago, voters are very unhappy with their elected officials. This approval rating for California legislators has never been lower, yet the same politicians keep getting re-elected. Why? Safe districts. Now, however, under Proposition 11, California citizens have taken the initiative and now have a chance to draw these districts themselves.

The Voters FIRST Act specifically placed the job of seeking citizen applications for this new commission in the hands of the California state auditor. CFC is encouraging you to apply to serve on this commission. Maybe you know someone whom you would recommend. Call them and encourage them to apply. This is a great opportunity for you to make a real difference in our state.

If you have questions or comments call the California State Auditor toll free at 1-866-356-5217 or send an e-mail at votersfirstact@bsa.ca.gov. Don’t miss this great opportunity.