California Citizens Redistricting Commission

California Citizens Redistricting Commission. It is an independent, 14-member commission established by California voters to draw the boundaries for the state's congressional, State Senate, State Assembly, and Board of Equalization districts. Created through the passage of Proposition 11 in 2008 and later strengthened by Proposition 20 in 2010, the commission was designed to remove the redistricting process from the direct control of the California State Legislature and Governor of California. Its formation marked a significant shift in American politics toward citizen-led efforts to combat gerrymandering.

History and creation

The drive to create the commission grew from longstanding public frustration with partisan gerrymandering by the California State Legislature, which historically produced districts that protected incumbents from both the Democratic and Republican parties. The reform movement was championed by organizations like Common Cause and supported by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The initial authorizing measure, Proposition 11 (the Voters FIRST Act), passed in November 2008 and applied only to state legislative districts. Its scope was expanded two years later by Proposition 20, which added congressional districts to the commission's mandate and transferred authority from the California State Legislature. These ballot initiatives followed earlier, failed attempts at reform, such as Proposition 77.

Composition and selection process

The commission consists of 14 members: five who are registered with the Democratic Party, five with the Republican Party, and four who are registered with neither major party. Applicants are vetted by the California State Auditor's office through a multi-phase selection designed to ensure geographic, ethnic, and gender diversity. An independent panel, including the State Auditor and a review panel comprised of appointed representatives from the state's public university systems, selects the final commissioners from a qualified applicant pool. This rigorous process aims to create a body independent from the California State Legislature and other political influences.

Redistricting methodology and criteria

The commission's work is governed by a strict, constitutionally mandated ranking of criteria, with the highest priority being equal population as required by the United States Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Subsequent criteria require districts to comply with the Voting Rights Act, be geographically contiguous, respect the geographic integrity of cities, counties, neighborhoods, and communities of interest, and be geographically compact. Partisan data, including the registration of voters and previous election results, cannot be used in the initial line-drawing process, a rule intended to prevent partisan favoritism. The commission holds numerous public hearings across the state, from San Diego to Eureka, to gather direct input.

Impact and legal challenges

The commission's maps, first implemented for the 2012 elections, have been credited with increasing electoral competition and contributing to significant partisan shifts in the U.S. House of Representatives delegation from California. The maps have faced several legal challenges, including a notable case that reached the Supreme Court of the United States, which upheld the commission's constitutionality in Arizona State Legislature v. Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, a ruling that directly supported California's model. Subsequent lawsuits, such as those filed in state courts under the California Constitution, have generally affirmed the commission's work, though some adjustments have been ordered regarding specific districts.

Comparison to other redistricting bodies

The commission is often compared to other independent or citizen-led redistricting entities, such as the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission and the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Unlike systems in many states where the state legislature retains control, such as in Texas or North Carolina, California's model completely removes map-drawing authority from elected officials. It differs from advisory commissions used in states like Iowa, where nonpartisan legislative staff draw maps for the Iowa General Assembly to approve. The California model is considered one of the most robust and transparent in the nation, influencing reform efforts in other states like Colorado and Virginia.

Category:Government of California Category:Redistricting in the United States Category:2008 establishments in California