Tom Fudge: Redistricting has never been at the top of your typical voter's list of concerns. But government reformers say it is a crucial part of the political process, and it does need to be reformed. When legislative districts are redrawn, every ten years, most states including California leave the task up to the Legislature. The problem with that, reformers say, is it allows sitting politicians to draw districts that virtually guarantee that members of certain parties will win in certain districts. That limits a voter's choice and fortifies partisan divides in the Legislature. So goes the case for redistricting reform.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has been pushing for redistricting reform for several years. And, this November he and his allies have once again gone to the ballot. Proposition 11 would require California to create a Citizens Redistricting Commission to redraw legislative boundaries.
Guest
- Jeannine English, spokesperson for the Yes on Proposition 11 campaign, and president of the California AARP.
- Jay Hansen, spokesperson for the No on Proposition 11 campaign, and policy director for the State Building and Construction Trades Council.
