Dear NAAAP members and friends,

Every 10 years California must redraw its district lines, which determines its political districts for State Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization elections. Next year, for the first time in history, this responsibility will be in the hands of California citizens. The California State Auditor has launched a campaign to inform Californians about the state’s new redistricting process, and to encourage registered voters to participate in a new Citizens Redistricting Commission.

Details for registered voters to apply to serve on the Commission are outlined below. Please direct any questions to Andrew Chen at andrew.chen@naaapsf.org.


Why is this important?

The Redistricting Commission has the mandate to set district lines for California state elections for the next 10 years.

This is YOUR chance to be part of a major political process, and to help achieve fair representation by ensuring your community's voice is heard.

Californians Made it Happen – Californians voted for this through Proposition 11 in 2008 and should take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity for citizens to draw district lines for state-wide elections.


Why is this a burning platform specifically for California's Asian Americans?

The intent of Prop. 11 was to create a redistricting commission reflecting California’s diversity. However, of the current 11,000+ eligible applications received, only ~5% are from the API community vs. a 13% API population in California. The current applicant pool is disproportionately White (~76% vs. 42% population in CA) and disproportionately male (~70%).


Application

The Bureau of State Audits – the agency responsible for implementing Prop. 11 – is accepting applications from citizens wishing to serve on the Commission. The application is accessed and submitted exclusively online through the BSA’s redistricting website at WeDrawtheLines.ca.gov.

The application time burden is estimated: 10 minutes.

Applications must be received NO LATER THAN February 12, 2010.


Responsibilities of a Redistricting Commissioner

- Travel and participate in public meetings at locations throughout the state
- Determine which communities across California share common interests and should share common representation
- Attend / participate in hearings, testimony, and presentations conducted in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate the public's work schedules
- Review and discuss data pertinent to setting political districts, including census data
- Work collaboratively in directing the Commission's staff
- Vote on the final redistricting maps developed after iterative public debate and proposals


Eligibility

Applicants must:

    * Be registered to vote in California
    * Have not changed party affiliation in the past 5 years
    * Have voted in 2 of the last 3 general elections

Conflicts that disqualify applicants:

    * Prior appointment to, election to, or candidacy for federal or state office
    * Served as an officer, employee, or paid consultant of a political party or campaign committee of a candidate for elected federal or state office
    * Served as an elected or appointed member of a political party central committee
    * Registered as federal, state, or local lobbyist
    * Served as paid congressional, legislative, or Board of Equalization staff
    * Contributed $2,000 or more to any congressional, state, or local candidate for elected office in any one year period

Local Government: serving as a local elected official, or working as staff to a local elected official, does NOT constitute a disqualifying conflict and such individuals are eligible to serve as Commissioners.


Compensation
Commissioners will be compensated $300 for each day engaged in Commission business and reimbursed for personal expenses in connection with Commission duties.


Links
Homepage - www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov

Current statistics on applications received, updated every morning and night
https://application.wedrawthelines.ca.gov/

Background of the California Redistricting Commission
http://www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov/downloads/Backgrounder_FINAL.9.29.09.pdf

Eligibility Requirements
http://www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov/downloads/Eligibility_Requirements_FINAL%209.29.09.pdf

Fact Sheet on Redistricting and the Citizens Redistricting Commission
http://www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov/downloads/Fact_Sheet_FINAL_10.16.09.pdf

Top 10 Questions Regarding the Citizen's Redistricting Commission
http://www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov/downloads/Top_10_Questions_FINAL_10.16.09.pdf