Answer

  1. The Commission understands that communities often develop positive and productive relationships with their current representatives. However, California’s state constitution, in Article XXI, Section 2, Subsection d.4, stipulates that "Communities of interest shall not include relationships with political parties, incumbents, or political candidates."
  2. We are eager to hear about your communities of interest – what makes them unique, what are your shared interests, what nearby areas you would or would not like to be grouped with in a district for the various elected offices – not who you would like to be represented by; you will have a chance to make that choice at election time!
  3. The Commission will be considering all of the public input about communities of interest, but it is barred from considering relationships between communities and incumbents or potential candidates.

Help us draw the best possible districts by participating in our Community of Interest input meetings (see the schedule at WeDrawTheLinesCA.org/meetings) or by sharing your Community of Interest input through our online tool at DrawMyCACommunity.org.

Why should I care about redistricting? How do I get involved? How do I describe my community? What is a community of interest? What is the Commission? Why do we have a Commission? Who can serve on the Commission? How were Commissioners selected? How much time do commissioners spend performing their duties? How many public meetings will be held? What are the laws regulating the Commission? What is the Voting Rights Act and why is it important? What criteria are used when drawing maps? How will new district boundaries be approved? Can new maps be legally challenged? Why can’t my district remain as it is? I want to keep my current representatives – they’re doing a good job for my community Why was my district gerrymandered? Criterion 3: Contiguity