Redistricting

League of Women Voters^®
of Glendale/Burbank

Your Chance to Change our Future!

Redrawing the district lines for State Senate, State Assembly and Board of Equalization

About the Redistricting Commission. Commission Duties. Payment. Qualifications. Ineligible to Serve. Information.

What is Redistricting?

Proposition 11, The Voters FIRST Act, passed by the voters in November 2008, authorized the creation of a Citizens Redistricting Commission to draw the lines for district boundaries for the state Assembly, Senate and Board of Equalization.
Fourteen voters will be chosen to serve on California's first Citizens Redistricting Commission. With a state as big and diverse as California, who draws the lines + and how those lines are drawn + will truly shape the future of our state. The commission gives this power to real people--political candidates, lobbyists and big political donors can't serve.
The commission will be made up of five Democrats, five Republicans, and four members from neither party, so every view will be heard.

What Exactly Will the Commission Do?

The Citizens Redistricting Commission will:

Draw new district maps for the Senate, Assembly and Board of Equalization
Evaluate data, statistical materials and other relevant information
Seek and listen to public testimony and comments on the maps
Hire staff, legal counsel, and consultants as needed

Is This A Paid Position?

Yes.The compensation for commissioners is $300 a day, plus reimbursement of personal expenses, when doing commission business.

Am I Qualified?

You must be a registered voter in California for at least the last five years with the same party (or non-party) affiliation.

You must have voted in at least two of the last three statewide general elections.

You must have relevant analytical skills, be impartial, and appreciate California's diversity.

A good commissioner is someone who:

Has an open mind without bias
Is mindful of California's diversity
Makes factually sound decisions
Cooperates with other commissioners

Who Cannot Serve

An applicant is disqualified if, in the past ten years, he or she, or any member of his or her immediate family, has:

Been appointed to, elected to, or been a candidate for federal or state office
Served as an elected or appointed member of a political party central committee
Served as paid congressional, legislative, or Board of Equalization staff
Served as an officer, employee, or paid consultant of a political party or the campaign committee of a candidate for elective federal or state office
Been a registered federal, state, or local lobbyist
Contributed $2,000 or more to any congressional, state or local candidate in a year.

Additionally, staff and/or consultants to, persons under contract with, or any person with an immediate family relationship with, the Governor, a member of the Legislature, a member of Congress, or a member of the State Board of Equalization may not be a commissioner. Commissioners will be restricted from certain activities, including public office, for either 5 or 10 years.

More Information

The California State Auditor's Website will be accepting applications from December 15 2009 through February 12, 2010. Note! Registration extended to February 16, 2010!
You can fill out the application form at:<http://www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov>
For more information see the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund Redistricting Page
And see also the Redistricting California website

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: February 15, 2010 12:36 PST.