As the Citizens Redistricting Commission formally adopts its final redistricting maps today, the League of Women Voters of California congratulates both the commissioners and the state of California on a job well done. “The voters put their trust in a new redistricting process when they passed Proposition 11 in November 2008, and the commission has more than fulfilled that trust,” stated LWVC President Jennifer A. Waggoner. “This citizen-driven process will be a model for the entire nation.” View her video statement http://www.youtube.com/user/lwvcef.
"District lines are no longer drawn by legislators behind closed doors, where politicians choose their voters and feel free to ignore the needs of communities" added Waggoner. Instead, this diverse, independent commission followed fair, prioritized criteria that emphasized the interests of the people who are served by their elected officials. Giving priority to equal population and the federal Voting Rights Act, commissioners took on the difficult task of balancing multiple, and sometimes competing, interests as they considered the needs of cities, counties, and communities across the state.
From the very beginning, with the work of the State Auditor’s office in selecting the commission, through these last months when the commission and staff have worked almost around the clock to complete the mapping, this has been a process unequalled for its transparency and public accessibility. “Californians by the thousands have watched the commission in action and submitted their ideas. In turn, commission members took care to consider input from everyone—from individuals to organizations representing thousands of people,” Waggoner noted.
Through the entire process, the commission treated each other and the public with mutual respect and civility, setting a tone of reasoned discourse and deliberation, even as disparate views were expressed. “The League celebrates this magnificent example of open, transparent government. Strong participation by the public helped lead to the success of this process,” continued Waggoner.
“All Californians should take this opportunity to learn about the new districts we will be using for the 2012 elections,” Waggoner said. View her video statement http://www.youtube.com/user/lwvcef.
For additional information visit http://www.cavotes.org.
The League of Women Voters of California is a nonpartisan political organization for women and men that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
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