On Friday, the new California Citizens Redistricting Commission released its final draft maps for the state's congressional and legislative districts. If these go through, they'll set the voting landscape for the next ten years. According to the LA Times, "Experts say the maps displace at least 60 elected officials in California from their districts or set them up for tough reelection battles." Republicans, however, are most dissatisfied--the maps could set up Democrats for a two-thirds majority in the state Senate and allow them to take some Republican congressional seats. SCPR reports the new maps were required to "be competitive, geographically compact and drawn without regard for incumbents or political parties. They must uphold the voting rights of minorities; they have to preserve communities." The maps are now in a 14 day public review period, "during which only minor, technical changes can be made," according to the LAT. A final ratification vote is scheduled for August 15.
Here's a comparison of the existing Congressional District 28 (Rep. Berman) and how the Commission thinks it should look:
Click over to the LAT to compare all the districts, as they are now and as they probably will be.
· Panel's final redistricting maps drawn [LAT]
· Disgruntled Californians can challenge new districts in court, or at ballot box [SCPR]
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