Advocate For Your Community in the Redistricting Process
The census results are in! We’re number one; we’re number one! Even in the midst of a pandemic, nothing can stop the United States Census, a once-a-decade count of all the people living in the country. California is still the most populous and most diversifying state with over 39 million residents despite a slowing in population growth as of the 2020 census. With this updated population information, the boundaries of a whopping 176 electoral districts that will determine representation in the State Senate and Assembly (120), United States House of Representatives (52), and the Board of Equalization (4) will be redrawn, a huge undertaking. The results of the census modify our electoral boundaries, of course, but they also determine how much federal funding will be distributed to our communities for things like schools, hospitals, and roads. Here's the best news: thanks to the Voters FIRST Act of 2008, California voters took power from the legislature and created the 14-member, independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission to draft district boundary maps. The Commission needs to fulfill their commitment to drawing fair districts in the best interests of communities, so roll up your sleeves because they need you!
As part of their current process of learning about communities statewide, you have the opportunity to make your voice heard by telling the Commissioners where your community begins and ends. This information will enable them to make districts politically proportional to the population giving us all a fighting chance at fair representation.
The four key elements they would like to know are:
The economic and social interests that bind your community together.
Why your community should be kept together for fair and effective representation.
Where your community is located.
What nearby areas do you want to, or not want to, be grouped with?
There are two main ways to participate:
Online by describing your community, drawing your own district, and sending testimony using the “Draw My CA Community” tool.
Attend a livestreamed meeting. The next Communities of Interest Meeting for Zones H-K (Southern California) will take place on September 8, 2021 from 3 PM - 7 PM with interpretation provided in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese. Visit the website for livestream, call-in information, and audio-only lines.
To learn more about the redistricting process, read public comments, and start your own community map, visit the website for We Draw the Lines CA.
