LWV of California Endorses Redistricting Reform Initiative
"The League of Women Voters of California is very pleased to support the California Voters FIRST initiative which will make the redistricting process one that is truly open and transparent and put the voters back in charge.
"The California Voters FIRST Act is a critical reform to the government process in California. League of Women Voters members around the state will work enthusiastically to help qualify this initiative and see that it is passed by the voters next November."
From remarks by Janis Hirohama, LWVC president
December 3, 2007
How would California Voters FIRST Act change redistricting?
- 14-Person Citizens Redistricting Commission. The California Voters FIRST Act would create a politically balanced Commission - five Democrats, five Republicans, and four others. Commissioners would be chosen for their impartiality, skills, and to reflect our State's demographic and geographic diversity
- Protecting communities, cities, and counties. The California Voters FIRST Act would create a list of prioritized mapping criteria for the Commission to follow. This would ensure that our Constitution federal and state laws are followed. California's communities, cities, and counties must be respected.
- Open and public process. The Commission would hold hearings to receive public input.
The League Needs You to Make Redistricting Reform Happen!
To get the California Voters FIRST initiative on the ballot, a million signatures are needed. The League has pledged to do its part.
How? First, every member will receive a petition with three signature spaces. Sign it yourself, get two more signatures from your family, friends or colleagues, and send it in. Second, volunteer to take more petitions and get signatures at meetings, rallies, parties, supermarkets, movie lines, wherever you go.
Please contact LWVC Advocacy Assistant Maggie Young to volunteer. Sign on for an exciting, hands-on experience in making democracy work!
More information: www.ca.lwv.org/lwvc/action/redistrict/
www.commoncause.org/cavotersfirst/
