The California election has been bombarded by attack ads on both sides of Prop 8. And while it certainly is an important issue, what may stand to be even more impacting is Prop 11. This proposition addresses redistricting—a practice that often taints true democracy. And it’s a proposition that must pass.
Every ten years, maps outlining the borders for legislative districts must be redrawn to make sure each district is similar in size, in order to maintain equal representation. The state legislature is responsible for drawing up the maps for 80 seats in the State Assembly, the 40 seats in the State Senate and California’s seas in the U.S. Congress. Whoever is in office at the time of redistricting wins the jackpot because they can map out districts in a way that lend to their easy re-elections. Currently there is a 99% re-election race in the California legislature. This redistricting puts little accountability on our lawmakers.
Prop 11 will create a 14-member independent citizens commission to redraw the state legislative district maps based on strict non-partisan rules. Prop 11 will make the redistricting process transparent and considerate of already existing city and county boundaries.
With the next map to be drawn in 2011, Prop 11 is essential to keep our government fairly representative of California.
No comments:
Post a Comment