Proposition 11: Redistricting

By Visalia Times-Delta Staff

September 27, 2008

The way it is now: Every 10 years, maps outlining the borders for legislative districts must be redrawn to make sure each district continues to have about the same number of people. The state Legislature has the job of drawing district maps for the 80 seats in the State Assembly, the 40 seats in the State Senate and California's seats in the U.S. Congress.

What Prop 11 would do if it passes: Change the State Constitution to give a 14-member citizens redistricting commission the job of drawing district maps for seats in the State Assembly and State Senate. The commission would be made up of registered voters (five Democrats, four Republicans and four members who do not belong to either major party).

Prop 11 includes rules for selecting the commission members and for a public process for drawing new district maps for state offices. Prop 11 leaves the state Legislature in charge of redrawing the district maps for California's U.S. Congress seats.

Fiscal effect on government: None.

People for Prop 11 say:

Prop 11 ends the current system of politicians drawing district maps in ways that makes it very easy for them to get re-elected.

If we have more competitive elections, politicians will be more accountable to the voters.

www.yesprop11.org

People against Prop 11 say:

Instead of districts being drawn by legislators elected by the people, they will be drawn by commissioners picked by state administrators.

Because it does not cover U.S. Congress, Prop 11 sets up two different processes for drawing district maps.

www.noonprop11.org

Prop 11 is a constitutional amendment.