New Districts formed for 2012 Elections
Rebecca Hernandez, VP Legislation
As we look to the coming year, there is no doubt that many changes are in store for California voters in the 2012 election. All Californians should take this opportunity to learn about the new districts we will be using for the 2012 elections.
Every ten years cities, counties, school boards and states redraw the lines for districts to keep representation equal. This process is increasingly moving from the backrooms to the public. This year, for the first time, California state legislative lines were drawn by a completely independent commission.
As a result of voter-approved Proposition 11 in 2008, redrawing state legislative districts and board of equalization districts came under the leadership of the California Citizens Redistricting Commission. Redrawing congressional districts was added to the Commission's job by Proposition 20 passed by California voters in 2010.
The Office of the California State Auditor oversaw the selection process via a committee process. Committee members chose the first eight members of this new Citizens Commission, who in turn chose the last six. State legislators were given the opportunity to eliminate candidates from the process. This Citizens Commission began work in January 2011, holding 70 meetings and 34 public hearings across our state. The final maps were presented on August 15, 2011.
Meeting minutes, agendas, public comment as well as the final maps statewide can be found on the Commission's website at wedrawthelines.ca.gov. A final report detailing the work and how and why of final decisions can be downloaded here
While the process has been contentious for some and rewarding for others, there is no doubt that many changes are in store for California voters in the 2012 election. All Californians should take this opportunity to learn about the new districts specific to their representation at the local, state and federal level.
For PTA leaders, insightful demographic information and locations of current officeholders' can be viewed at here. The League of Women Voters, AARP, Common Cause, California Forward and the California Chamber of Commerce are among groups who have praised the work of the Commission.
As always, the last stop in most contentious redistricting processes is the courts. There are constantly moving legal interpretations of federal Voting Rights Act law, along with new laws and regulations at the state and local level to be considered. The new state senate districts are being challenged by a lawsuit filed in the State Supreme Court and by a referendum recently filed with the California Secretary of State. The suit contends that the new senate districts do not follow the guidelines originally laid out by Proposition 11 and are therefore unconstitutional.
For San Diego County, the 2011 Board of Supervisors Redistricting Plan was formally adopted mid-September. New districts will take effect with the 2012 County Board of Supervisors elections. While many districts will remain the same, there are a few changes including La Jolla, Los Penasquitos and 4S Ranch. A full list including interactive maps are available for online viewing at here.
