EDITOR’S NOTE: On Thursday, June 26 the US Supreme Court handed down a verdict on redistricting, often called “political gerrymandering”. As noted in many opinion pieces, “both parties do it” and “this has been going on for a very long time”. On Thursday, the Justices basically refused to get involved in what the Majority considered a “political” matter. Instead they left drawing the lines for districts strictly to the states. There are those who will decry this as “injustice” and those that will support the decision as “just” and “Constitutional”.
Regardless of your political persuasion, We believe all citizens should be more engaged in our style of government, a Republic. What is the difference between a Republican form of government versus a Democratic form?
A Republic elects individuals to represent a population’s interest. The different “electors” from the populations compete with one another, within the framework of a Constitution and Bill of Rights, as is done in the United States, or some other law-giving document versus democracy wherein the majority decision rules irrespective of the interest of small interest groups such as those working in specialized areas like farming, fishing, oil exploration, marina services, etc.
Shape California’s Future | Apply today! And sign up for weekly updates.
Every ten years, after the federal census, California must re-establish the boundaries of its Congressional, State Senate, State Assembly, and State Board of Equalization districts to reflect new population data and shifting populations. The Voters FIRST Act gave this power to California citizens ensuring that new and fair political boundaries are drawn without special interests, politics and political influence.
California citizens who are eligible may submit an online application to the California State Auditor’s Office during the initial 60-day application period from June 10, 2019, to August 9, 2019.
Not sure if you should apply to serve on the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission? Hear from the 2010 commissioners! Watch the video to learn more about their experience and why you should apply to be a member of the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission.
Apply today to become one of 14 new commissioners on the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission at ShapeCaliforniasFuture.auditor.ca.gov.
The 2010 commissioners were the first group of citizens in State history to redraw California’s district lines.
If this opportunity of a decade sounds interesting to you or someone you know, visit ShapeCaliforniasFuture.auditor.ca.gov to submit your initial application today!
Who’s Applying?
The California State Auditor is tracking applicant demographic data on a daily basis by gender, ethnicity, political party, region, and county. Here are the latest results:
As of Thursday, June 27 at 8:00 a.m.
Total Initial Applications Submitted: 2,749
Tentatively Eligible Applicants: 2,286
Updated Citizens Redistricting Commission application data is available to the public at applications.shapecaliforniasfuture.auditor.ca.gov.
About the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission | Every ten years, after the federal government publishes updated census information, California must redraw the boundaries of its Congressional, State Senate, State Assembly, and State Board of Equalization districts. In 2008, California voters passed the Voters FIRST Act authorizing the creation of an independent Commission comprised of 14 members. The 2020 Commission will include five Democrats, five Republicans, and four who are either registered without, or “independent” of, any political party (decline-to-state or no party preference) or with another party. The Commission is responsible for drawing the lines of each district. The open application period for new Commission members began on June 10, 2019, and will run through August 9, 2019.
Contact us at:
Phone: 1-833-421-7550
Email: [email protected]
Get Citizensjournal.us Headlines free SUBSCRIPTION. Keep us publishing – DONATE
