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

[aastg.livejournal.com]

Most of the arguments I have against prop 77 have already been stated by others. I only have one more to add: the GOP is going for the Big Grab in California, after their success in Texas. Arnold is a poseur - he is no more an "independent" Republican than Jeb Bush, IMO, and not much more of a governor than Jesse Ventura.

That said, I agree in principle that redistricting is a good idea. I'm trying to imagine a political climate in this state in which it could be done equitably.

[madbaker.livejournal.com]

I'm going to take issue with the "GOP Big Grab" comment. The California GOP was complicit in the last gerrymandering - they helped redraw the districts to maintain the then-current proportional split.

I do agree with the equitable comment, though; I don't feel that this proposition is the best way to do things. However, I feel it's an improvement over the current system. It's a case of not letting the perfect be the enemy of the good.