Citizen’s Redistricting Commission Maps Are Out
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact:
August 15, 2011
Phillip Ung, pung@commoncause.org, (916) 443-1792
CALIFORNIA CITIZENS REDISTRICTING COMMISSION ADOPTED DISTRICT MAPS
California’s Independent Commission complete Congressional, Legislative and Board of Equalization redistricting
On August 15, 2011, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC) voted to adopt its final Congressional, Legislative and Board of Equalization district maps. The vote on the final maps was 13 to 1 on State Assembly, 13 to 1 on State Senate, 13 to 1 on the Board of Equalization and 12 to 2 on the House of Representative maps.
Kathay Feng, Executive Director of California Common Cause stated, “The Commission’s open process of taking public input was in stark contrast to the previous system, when legislators drew their own district lines, often dividing neighborhoods or groups of people simply to benefit themselves. The Citizens Redistricting Commission has held more than 40 public hearings and listened to the testimonies of thousands of citizens to determine the final district lines.”
The new district lines reflect California’s changing demographics and encourage candidates for office to engage with their potential constituencies. Stated Derek Cressman, Western Regional Director of State Operations, “Gone are the days when redistricting was driven by party affiliation and incumbent protection, when over 90% of California’s elected officials could count on landslide wins despite low approval ratings, and districts almost never changed party hands.”
In addition, the new district maps take into consideration California community interests by keeping neighborhoods and similar populations intact. Neighborhoods such as Los Angeles’ Watts and Koreatown, which had been historically split, are kept whole.
Said Feng, “The extensive testimony from communities across California has shown that redistricting reform has the great potential to engage people in shaping our democracy.”
As amended by Propositions 11 and 20, the California Constitution requires the Commission to draw district maps that have equal populations, comply with the Voting Rights Act, and abide by a list of mapping criteria designed to provide fair representation for all Californians.
If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Kathay Feng, please call Phillip Ung at 213/252-4552 or email pung@commoncause.org