California’s Citizens Redistricting Commission was created by voters to take the power of drawing political districts out of the hands of politicians and put it where it belongs — with the people.

In 2008, voters approved Proposition 11, the Voters First Act, which established an independent citizens’ commission to draw fair and impartial boundaries for the State Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization. Two years later, Californians voted by a wide margin to expand the Commission’s authority to include congressional districts as well.

The Commission is made up of 14 everyday Californians who are carefully selected to reflect the state’s diversity, maintain partisan balance, and avoid conflicts of interest. Every hearing and map-drawing session is conducted in full public view, making California’s redistricting process one of the most transparent in the nation.

Often referred to as the “gold standard” and a national model for citizen-led redistricting, the Commission is designed to ensure fair elections, better representation, and greater accountability.

This poll is being conducted to better understand your views on how California should approach redistricting going forward.

Currently, California has an independent citizens’ redistricting commission that draws election district maps.  Do you think redistricting should be done by: *
How important is it to you that redistricting decisions be made through a process that is open to the public and allows for community input? *
Some people say giving redistricting power back to politicians could lead to gerrymandering. Others say politicians are accountable to voters and should have this responsibility.  *
Which view comes closest to yours?
If the state were to hold a special election to change the redistricting process, it could cost taxpayers more than $200 million. 
Knowing this, would you support or oppose holding a special election on this issue? *
Overall, how confident are you that California’s current redistricting process produces fair election maps? *