Redistricting on the minds of local voters
Tracy Lehr
VENTURA, Calif.-A staffer from Salud Carbajal’s office has invited voters to view proposed maps at the Foster Library in Ventura on Wednesday from 6:15-8:15 p.m.
The viewing coincides with the local Democratic Club’s monthly meeting and comes a day after the Senate Standing Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments held a hearing in Sacramento.
Voters will have a say on whether the state should redistrict in November.
Axious is reporting that a majority of voters already support the idea.
Ventura County Democratic Party Chair Steven Auclair wanted to remind voters that it can still be competitive.
“For the map, actually includes more minority majority districts, stronger representation, and it could add up to five Congressional Districts, ” said Auclair, but again, they will just have to compete for those seats, so nobody’s getting wiped out, those Republican incumbents will need to compete for voters. and again, it’s an open and transparent process.”
Redistricting proposals have been getting similar attention in Texas where President Trump’s redistricted Congressional map was approved by the Texas House Republicans this week.
It is likely to face legal challenges.
Republicans hope changes in Texas will protect the conservative majority in the House of Representatives.
Democrats hope Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal will keep local representatives in blue districts.
Carbajal would add Saticoy and unincorporated Ventura County area near Ventura that has seen a population growth.
Congresswoman Julia Brownley’s district would add Calabasas, Woodland Hills and portions of the Antelope Valley
Parts of Simi Valley and Moorpark would shift into Rep. Brad Sherman’s district.
The number of representatives depends on population.
It is usually determined each decade following census reports in each state.
Voter Saria Kraft invited O’Riley to speak.
“I hope that people will vote on November 2nd to embrace Governor Newsom’s concept, gaining different seats in this particular redistricting,” said Kraft.
Republicans and Democrats in California and Texas have accused the opposing party of gerrymandering or manipulating boundaries.
It got its name from a Massachusetts Governor named Eldridge Gerry in the early 1800’s.