At the very least, the redistricting process should be an open one, with full media coverage and a blue ribbon commission that monitors the process and seeks citizen input. We recommend, however, that California copy the Iowa model. This produces positive results because the ability of politicians to manipulate district lines is severely limited. San Diego follows a similar process for drawing their city council district lines. Illinois used such a system from 1870 to 1980 to elect its lower house, and nearly every district, including Chicago and the rural areas, had two-party representation.
More competition means more choices for voters.
This option might be particularly attractive considering recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings in Voting Rights cases. As we mull the meaning of the upcoming governor's race in California, let us consider reforms that will not only free that office from the machinations involved in redistricting battles, but will also empower voters to choose their representatives, and not the other way around. Rob Richie is executive director of the Center for Voting and Democracy, a nonprofit organization based in Washington DC that educates about voting systems. Steven Hill is the Center's west coast director. 6930 Carroll Ave.