California Constitution Article XXI - Redistricting of Senate, Assembly, Congressional and Board of Equalization Districts [Sections 1 - 3]
Here is an overview of the California Constitution – Article XXI: Redistricting of Senate, Assembly, Congressional, and Board of Equalization Districts [Sections 1–3]:
🔷 Article XXI – Redistricting of Senate, Assembly, Congressional and Board of Equalization Districts
This article governs the redrawing of political district boundaries in California for the State Legislature, U.S. Congress, and the State Board of Equalization.
🔹 Section 1 – Citizens Redistricting Commission
Establishes the Citizens Redistricting Commission, which consists of 14 members:
5 Democrats
5 Republicans
4 from neither party
Responsible for redistricting Senate, Assembly, Congressional, and Board of Equalization districts.
The commission is selected through a multi-step process involving legislative review and random drawing.
🔹 Section 2 – Redistricting Criteria
Districts must be:
Equal in population according to federal standards.
Compliant with the federal Voting Rights Act.
Geographically contiguous.
Respectful of communities of interest.
Drawn to not favor or discriminate against political parties, incumbents, or candidates.
Drawn nested when possible (Assembly districts nested within Senate districts, etc.).
🔹 Section 3 – Timing and Implementation
Redistricting is done in the year following the federal decennial census.
The new district maps take effect at the next statewide primary and general elections.
The Commission must hold public hearings and provide access to data and draft maps.
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