Californians now have more time to apply to help shape California’s future by serving on the next Citizens Redistricting Commission. Citizens will now have until August 19, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. to apply. Applications take just minutes to complete, and must be submitted online at apply.shapecaliforniasfuture.auditor.ca.gov.
On Monday, California State Auditor Elaine M. Howle announced that the initial application deadline of August 9 would be extended to August 19 due to a surge of applicants in the waning days of the initial deadline.
“My office has been analyzing the number and flow of applications since we began accepting applications. It is clear to me that for the last week, we have seen a significant increase and with every passing day, we are getting a broader application pool that is more and more representative of California’s diversity,” Howle said. “I’m thrilled that so many civically-involved Californians are interested in being part of shaping California’s future and want to keep the process open until August 19th at 5:00 p.m. to make sure that everyone who is interested has the opportunity to apply.”
About the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission
Every 10 years, after the federal government publishes updated census information, California must redraw the boundaries of its districts for Congress, state Senate, state Assembly, and state Board of Equalization districts. The 14-member 2020 Commission will include five Democrats, five Republicans, and four who are either registered without, or “independent” of, any political party (decline-to-state or no party preference) or with another party. The Commission is responsible for drawing the lines of each district.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
- Have been a registered voter since July 1, 2015;
- Have been registered with the same political party or no party preference (NPP) since July 1, 2015; and
- Voted in at least two of the last three statewide general elections.
An applicant is ineligible to serve on the Commission if the applicant has a conflict of interest as defined by the Voters First Act within the 10 years before submitting an application. The conflicts resulting in ineligibility include the applicant or an immediate family member having: served or been a candidate for congressional or state elective office; been an officer, employee or paid consultant for a California political party; been a paid consultant for a candidate for California congressional or elective state office; or a registered lobbyist.
For more information on the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission application and selection process, please visit ShapeCaliforniasFuture.auditor.ca.gov.
