Prop. 77, Redistricting

[madbaker]

If the polls are accurate (hah!), Proposition 77 will be defeated tomorrow.

I've supported the concept long before the proposition was put on the ballot – I said something of the sort a year or two ago on this journal, but I can't be bothered to go search it out.

My undergrad college had an institute that studied political boundaries, and has done consulting work on the issue. I've seen the seamy underbelly of the current process, whereby politicians of both parties cynically gerrymander boundaries to divide up the electorate. To my mind, it perpetuates extremists who can fire up the frothing base. Again, of both parties.

Now, I actually agree that the proposition should not have made it on the ballot, because the submitted wording differed (albeit slightly) from what was ultimately proposed. (The CA Supreme Court put it on anyway.)

For those of you who plan to vote no (or have already done so), if you're willing, please comment why. I'm not looking to pick a fight and I doubt I can change your mind. I'm just curious as to the reasons and/or motivations.

Comments

[madbaker.livejournal.com]

I believe the theory behind using retired judges is that they should be less partisan. Certainly debatable. They seemed to do a fine job the one time redistricting was thrown into the courts in 1990, but it's a point.

Under the current system, the elected legislators - of both parties - are choosing their voters. Not exactly accountable either.

[goldenstag.livejournal.com]

I don't know that there is a good way to deal with it, but frankly at this point, if Arnold is support it, it is suspect ...