In order to review the redistricting efforts in San Mateo County and its component cities, as well as to see that the new district maps are fair, the Leagues of Women Voters of the South, North and Central County, will hold a joint meeting this coming Saturday, March 25.
It should be remembered 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 that 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 election and how implementing those requirements will aid the upcoming redistricting.
The Fair Maps Act became law in 2019 and is the most significant and comprehensive revision 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 redistricting was taken out of the hands of local legislative bodies.
During the meeting, the Leagues of Women Voters will review explicit actions across the county that have affected fair redistricting.
"Our Leagues and the citizens involved will explore ways to work together to achieve a greater number of Independent Redistricting Commissions," they noted.
The meeting, free and public, will be held on Saturday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Redwood Room at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, located at 1455 Madison in Redwood City.
For more information, those interested can send an email to vpprogram@lwvssmc.org.
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