The Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College today released "Redistricting in America: A State-by-State Analysis." The study provides a comprehensive and up-to-date survey of legislative and congressional redistricting systems in each of the 50 states.
"Redistricting in America" offers a behind-the-scenes look at the complex and ever-changing world of redistricting. With the 2010 census and 2011 redistricting cycle beginning, experts are excited to observe which of the widely-varying redistricting systems will be successful. The report shows where California's Citizens Redistricting Commission fits into the American redistricting scene, and concludes that California's new Citizen's Redistricting Commission offers the most independent process found anywhere in the country.
"This is a remarkable time to be studying redistricting systems in the U.S.," said Institute Fellow Douglas Johnson. "In Arizona, we see one of the most independent commissions in the country at the time. Here in California, the State's new commission takes another step forward: for the first time, the legislature has no ability to name a commission member or to amend the commission's plan. The Citizen Redistricting Commission will mean California voters will be able pick their representatives, instead of the other way around."