Independent redistricting passed in Los Angeles by 74% through strong grassroots organizing efforts

Los Angeles — California Common Cause has released a report analyzing the success of the 2024 campaign to implement an independent redistricting commission in Los Angeles. With a focus on community engagement, specifically on underrepresented communities, the measures passed by wide margins. 

The campaign for Measures DD & LL, which established independent redistricting commissions for the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Unified School District, achieved its success through endorsements, a robust communications strategy, and targeted outreach, especially to underserved communities.

“Bringing the second-largest city in the United States into a community-focused redistricting model is critical to ensure fair and equal representation for all,” said Russia Chavis Cardenas, deputy director of California Common Cause. “This report provides a roadmap to success for other cities or local jurisdictions who would like to implement similar reforms.”

Independent redistricting commissions have proven to be more transparent, fair, and inclusive than redistricting run by elected officials. With a final vote tally winning with more than 74% of the vote, Angelenos declared that it is time to ensure that local line-drawing efforts are independent, community-centered, transparent, participatory, and accountable. This success was achieved with the support of other key factors.

The report found:

• There was clear evidence of gerrymandering in Los Angeles during the 2020 redistricting process, significantly affecting community interest.
• Sustained involvement by community-based civic organizations helped educate city leaders and the public about independent redistricting, leading to its passage. 
• Local and ethnic media played a crucial role in covering the 2020 redistricting process and associated ballot measures, effectively educating community members about these important issues. 
• Successful local and state independent redistricting commissions serve as effective models for reform.
• Elected officials who provided strong support played a key role in the measures passing.

This success of Measures DD & LL comes from a strong community presence and substantial local and ethnic media coverage. At a time when most campaigns focused on high-turnout voters, prioritizing hard-to-reach groups, including voters of color, limited-English speakers, and younger voters led to remarkable success, implementing one of Los Angeles’ most meaningful democracy reforms in years.

Across the state, cities and counties are moving away from redistricting that can be easily influenced by elected officials, which leads to issues like incumbent gerrymandering. Instead, they are adopting community-centered redistricting models. Following this model of change, other cities may find similar success in implementing pro-democracy reforms.

To read the report, click here.