In order to review the redistricting efforts in San Mateo County and its cities, as well as to ensure that the new district maps are fair, the Leagues of Women Voters of South, North and Central San Mateo County will hold a joint meeting this coming Saturday, March 25.
It is worth remembering that redistricting, the process of redrawing electoral boundaries, occurs every ten years after the census and ensures that districts have the same population.
However, these lines can affect whether vulnerable communities are represented in local government and whether their interests are prioritized in decision-making.
According to a statement, Helen Hutchison, director of government and former president of the California League of Women Voters, will discuss the outcome and effects of the Fair Maps Act on local redistricting in the 2022 elections and how implementing those requirements will help the upcoming redistricting.
The Fair Maps Act was signed into law in 2019 and is the most significant and comprehensive overhaul of the city and county redistricting process in California history.
For the 2021 cycle, 22 cities and counties used IRCs — Independent Redistricting Commissions — covering 42 percent of the state’s population. This law was passed to ensure that redistricting was taken out of the hands of local legislatures.
The Leagues of Women Voters said that during the meeting, participants will review explicit actions throughout the county that have affected fair redistricting.
"Our Leagues and involved citizens will explore ways to work together to achieve a greater number of Independent Redistricting Commissions," they said.
The meeting, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Saturday, March 25 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Redwood Room at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, located at 1455 Madison in Redwood City.
For more information, interested parties can send an email to vpprogram@lwvssmc.org.
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