Opening The Floodgates: Tens Of Thousands Apply To Redistrict California

[babylonsister]

I'm impressed at this interest. Democracy at work?!


Opening The Floodgates: Tens Of Thousands Apply To Redistrict California
Eric Lach | March 18, 2010, 10:59AM


Call it Real World: Redistricting. Fourteen ordinary California residents (five Democrats, five Republicans and four independents) will be picked this year to serve on the state's first Citizens Redistricting Commission, which will redraw the state's political map.

In many states, redistricting is either directly or indirectly controlled by politicians, giving incumbents the advantage of shaping the borders of their own districts. In California, the legislature used to have the final say in the redistricting process. But in 2008, California voters passed Proposition 11, also known as the Voters FIRST Act, which shifted redistricting responsibility for statewide offices (but not Congressional districts) to an independent group of volunteers.

Tens of thousands of people have already applied to be part of the once-in-a-decade chance to navigate the politically fraught and delicate task of redistricting, all under the eyes of their fellow citizens -- not to mention the politicians whose electoral futures' may be at stake.

And as important as redistricting is, you can't just grab people off the street, give them pencils and have them start drawing. To raise awareness and make sure applicants know what they're getting in to, the state Auditor's Office and other groups have led a public education campaign, including workshops and radio ads.

But no one expected this kind of interest. More than 30,000 applications were submitted, and nearly 26,000 were deemed "tentatively eligible." In order to qualify for the commission, applicants must have voted in two of the last three statewide elections, held the same party affiliation for the last five years and not worked with or contributed too closely to any political party or candidate.

more...

http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/03/thousands-apply-for-californias-first-citizens-redistricting-panel.php?ref=fpb

[Joanne98]

1. This is the Republicans idea. They can't win in CA any other way.

How about we re-district Florida?

[babylonsister]

2. Do you know that for a fact? Seems like a lot of people have

volunteered, and they're not allowed to be too strongly affiliated with any party. :shrug: