The Redistricting Commission application process is now open at www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov. Apply for the Commission Online—December 15, 2009 through February 12, 2010.

   Before the Voters FIRST Act, California lawmakers were charged with drawing their own legislative and Board of Equalization districts. But California voters changed all that when they authorized the creation of the Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission) in the November 2008 General Election. Now YOU can apply to serve on an independent Commission that will draw district boundaries for the state Senate, Assembly, and Board of Equalization.

   If you are on a central committee, have worked for a politician, or are directly related to somebody who has worked for a politician, you are excluded. We’ll need to look to people who aren’t normally joiners, not on any state or local committees, but who are willing to give up a lot of time to help re-draw district boundaries. There are 5 seats for Democrats and Republicans, and 4 for others.

   You can check the application and eligibility requirements at www.wedrawthelines.ca.gov.