2.12.2010

california's redistricting commission deadline extended

Hey, AAPIs in California. I've already mentioned that we need some qualified individuals to apply for the new redistricting commission. The 14-person citizens commission will draw new maps for state legislative and Board of Equalization districts in 2011. How the new maps are drawn will determine whether AAPI communities are kept together or split unfairly.

The reason why groups like APALC and CAUSE are pushing so hard for AAPI applicants is because there's just been a serious underrepresentation in the applicant pool. While Asian Americans make up 14% of California's population, only 4.5% of the applicants are Asian American.

In 1990, there were no Asian Americans in the state legislature. Today there are thirteen. After the 2010 Census, the Commission will redraw the state's legislative districts and determine whether Asian Americans communities are kept together or split unfairly. Unless additional people of color apply, there's significant risk that the commission will not reflect California's diversity.

The deadline to apply to Redistricting Commission has been extended to February 16, 5:00pm. For more information about the application process, including eligibility requirements, go here: We Draw The Lines.

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