Eliminating Independent Redistricting to Combat Authoritarianism Is a False Choice

In August, former Citizens Redistricting Commissioner Connie Archbold Robinson (Independent, Oceanside) testified on behalf of fellow rotating chairs Jeanne Raya (San Gabriel, D), Cynthia Dai (San Francisco, D), Jodie Filkins Webber (Riverside, R), and Peter Yao (Claremont, R) to the state Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee. Commissioners are chosen to be impartial, reflect California’s diversity, and follow constitutional criteria. They also cannot run for office in the districts they draw.

Here are some key takeways from her testimony:

• Californians voted three times to reject gerrymandering and enshrine independent redistricting in the state constitution.

• Polls show strong support: the CRC is backed ~2:1 in California (source: Politico/Citrin Center); nationally 3 in 4 say gerrymandering is unfair and over two-thirds say it should be illegal (source: YouGov).

• For current maps, CRC reviewed 35,000+ public comments and posted draft maps for 14 days for public input. The new legislature-drawn map was developed behind closed doors and aims for safe seats.

• This legislation is being touted as the only way to resist authoritarianism. This is a false choice. California has some of the country's most competitive districts; twice as many of our current districts are up for grabs as this new partisan gerrymander would result in.

Her testimony makes clear that we need to defend the independent, transparent process voters want. Instead of closed-door partisan gerrymanders, we need to keep map-drawing public and accountable.

Ask your community to support independent redistricting and to upgrade how we elect leaders so candidates answer to every voter, not just a narrow partisan base.