The Citizens Redistricting Commission (http://wedrawthelines.ca.gov) is
preparing to publish its final maps today, the culmination of seven months of
extremely hard work. The League of Women Voters of California applauds the work
of both the commissioners and the public. Unlike redistricting in the past, this
process has been open, transparent and participatory—a true citizen-driven
process. “We are confident that this first-ever commission will be a model for
the entire nation,” stated LWVC President Jennifer A. Waggoner.

Years of work by the League and others led to the adoption of Proposition 11
in November 2008, establishing a new redistricting process for California.
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. Instead, a diverse, independent commission followed fair,
prioritized criteria in a process unequalled for its transparency and public
accessibility.

As the commission worked almost around the clock to complete its mapping, the
public was able not only to watch the line drawing but also to access the most
up-to-the-minute detailed visualizations and submit comments that they could be
sure were read by the commissioners. Commission members took care to make note
of input from everyone—from individual Californians to organizations
representing thousands of people.

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. California needs
everyone to participate in order to be a fair, strong, vibrant democracy,”
continued Waggoner.

“All Californians should review the final maps and learn about their new
districts as we wait for the maps to be approved and sent to the California
Secretary of State on August 15,” Waggoner said.

Visit the LWVCEF YouTube Channel for a video message from LWVC President
Jennifer A. Waggoner about this redistricting work (http://www.youtube.com/user/LWVCEF).

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.

Visit http://www.cavotes.org for more
information.

Subject

Redistricting