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The Citizens Redistricting Commission will:

• Draw new district maps for the Senate, Assembly and Board of Equalization
• Evaluate data, statistical materials and other relevant information
• Seek and listen to public testimony and comments on the maps
• Hire staff, legal counsel, and consultants as needed

The State Legislature is responsible for drawing Congressional district maps. The commission and State Legislature will coordinate to take public input.

How much are commissioners paid?

The compensation for commissioners is $300 a day, plus reimbursement of personal expenses, when doing commission business.

What are the basic qualifications?

• You must be a registered voter in California for at least the last five years with the same party (or non-party) affiliation.
• You must have voted in at least two of the last three statewide general elections.
• You must have relevant analytical skills, be impartial, and appreciate California’s diversity.

Would I be a good commissioner?

A good commissioner is someone who:

• Has an open mind without bias
• Is mindful of California’s diversity
• Makes factually sound decisions
• Cooperates with other commissioners

Who is disqualified?

An applicant is disqualified if, in the past ten years, he or she, or any member of his or her immediate family, has:

• Been appointed to, elected to, or been a candidate for federal or state office
• Served as an elected or appointed member of a political party central committee
• Served as paid congressional, legislative, or Board of Equalization staff
• Served as an officer, employee, or paid consultant of a political party or the campaign committee of a candidate for elective federal or state office
• Been a registered federal, state, or local lobbyist
• Contributed $2,000 or more to any congressional, state or local candidate in a year.

Additionally, staff and/or consultants to, persons under contract with, or any person with an immediate family relationship with, the Governor, a member of the Legislature, a member of Congress, or a member of the State Board of Equalization may not be a commissioner. Commissioners will be restricted from certain activities, including public office, for either 5 or 10 years.

What is the selection timeline?

Dec. 15, 2009 — Feb. 12, 2010

Application period for commissioners. Applications must be received by Feb. 12, 2010. You can fill out the application form at: www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov

Feb. 16, 2010 — Apr. 2, 2010

Qualified applicants will be invited to complete a supplemental application, including essays and additional information.

Jul. 20, 2010 — Sep. 13, 2010

The State Auditor team will interview the top 120 applicants. By Sep. 30, 2010, the State Auditor team selects 60 finalists.

Oct. 1, 2010 — Dec. 31, 2010

The Legislative leaders may reduce the finalists to 36.  The State Auditor then randomly selects the first 8 commissioners.  The 8 commissioners select the last 6 commissioners. Of the 14 commissioners, 5 will be Democrats, 5 will be Republicans, and 4 will be registered with neither party.