Los Angeles City voters will have the chance on Nov. 5 to create an independent commission to redraw voting districts. Here’s why that matters, and why it has the potential to shake up power at City Hall:
In the past, the L.A. City Council would draw the political boundaries, so council members drew their own districts — usually to keep themselves in power.
But calls for an independent commission gained momentum in 2022 after secretly recorded audio captured three sitting councilmembers discussing ways to preserve their political power through the redistricting process.
If approved by voters, a 16-member panel would be responsible for redrawing district boundaries every 10 years to reflect population changes in the city. The panel would act without the involvement or approval of the City Council. Elected officials, commissioners and lobbyists would be among those prohibited from serving.
Official title on the ballot:Â Independent Redistricting Commission For The City Of Los Angeles. Charter Amendment DD
You are being asked: Shall the City Charter be amended to establish an independent redistricting commission to redraw Council district lines every ten years in the City of Los Angeles?
WHAT YOUR VOTE MEANS
-
A “yes” vote means: You want the city to replace its existing advisory redistricting commission with an independent body that has the power to adopt district boundaries every 10 years without the involvement or approval of the City Council.
-
A “no” vote means: The city would stick with its existing advisory redistricting commission. Councilmembers would continue to determine boundaries.
Understanding the city’s redistricting process
Redistricting happens every 10…
Read the full article here
