The Committee for an Independent Voice (CIV) supports the
redistricting initiative designed to put an end to California’s
rigged election system which allows state legislators to
gerrymander district lines
– essentially choosing their winners before the voters cast a
ballot.
Editor,
The Committee for an Independent Voice (CIV) supports the redistricting initiative designed to put an end to California’s rigged election system which allows state legislators to gerrymander district lines – essentially choosing their winners before the voters cast a ballot.
CIV also called on Gov. Schwarzenegger, who is backing the proposed initiative, to include independent voters in creating a non-partisan solution to the redistricting problem.
The issue of redistricting has been put on the table because the partisanship is apparent for all to see. Gov. Schwarzenegger is to be applauded for placing the issue squarely before the public. That said, a major constituency of voters – nearly 25 percent of the electorate – are independent and have no voice in the political process. Independents must be at the table in all future redistricting decisions if the reform is to be genuine.
Independents are the fastest growing political force in California – nearly 3.7 million voters are now registered outside the two major parties.
The proposed redistricting initiative would empower a panel of retired judges to redraw election district maps based on geography with the hopes of putting competition back into legislative and Congressional elections.
The Committee for an Independent Voice is a California association of independents that advocates for a bigger voice for independent voters and their interests.
In the 2004 election, CIV was a key member of the coalition in support of Proposition 62, the open primary initiative.
Jim Mangia, CIV co-chair, Los Angeles
