If you’re a California resident you know that we have a dysfunctional legislature. One of the main reasons for this is that back in 2001 the Democrats and Republicans in the legislature drew up new districts. They made a deal, and made all but a couple of seats “safe.” That’s called gerrymandering, and almost every legislative district in the state is gerrymandered.
For example, my Assembly, State Senate, and Congressional seats are extremely safe Republican districts. While there’s a Democratic candidate for each office, it’s not going to matter–all the Republican candidates will win in a cakewalk. Similarly, almost every Democratic candidate will win easily. When the districts aren’t competitive you tend to get legislators who are highly partisan and don’t compromise.
Proposition 11 would change how redistricting is done in California. There would be a commission to handle redistricting for the state legislature. While this measure has almost no direct fiscal impact, eliminating the dysfunctional legislature can only be a boon to California.
Remember to vote on November 4th.