For Immediate Release                            Contact: Chris Carson, 818-840-0417

July 29, 2011                                               Helen Hutchison, 510-332-6252

League of Women Voters Celebrates Momentous Step in Redistricting Reform for California

Sacramento— The Citizens Redistricting Commission 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.

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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 www.cavotes.org for more information.

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LWVC Celebrates Momentuous Steps in Redistricting Reform In California

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Today the CItizens Redistricting Commission (CRC) releases the final district maps for state Assemble, Senate and Board of Equalization. After a two week public comment period the CRC will vote to certify the final maps and send them to the Secratary of State.