Golden State Today

Progress toward redistricting reform in San Francisco is at risk as the Board of Supervisors approaches their deadline for referring measures to the November 2024 ballot. The Board is deliberating on whether to place a measure that would replace the City’s advisory redistricting commission with an independent one. The current advisory commission, described as "wildly controversial and chaotic," concluded in its final report that it needed to be replaced by a body less susceptible to political influence.

California Common Cause and the League of Women Voters of San Francisco are urging the Board of Supervisors to send independent redistricting to voters. According to these organizations, independent redistricting has been effective in numerous California jurisdictions, providing transparent, inclusive, and fair processes led by qualified members.

Common Cause and the League of Women Voters emphasize their nonpartisan stance, noting their extensive experience in local redistricting across over 60 jurisdictions in California. Their research indicates that areas using independent commissions had more transparent and fair processes compared to those where incumbents influenced district drawing.

In San Francisco, two-thirds of the City’s redistricting task force comprises commissioners appointed by incumbent politicians. The process they led from 2021-2022 faced significant community outcry and loss of public trust due to perceived political meddling.

Independent redistricting commissions were employed during the last cycle by California for congressional and state legislative seats, 18 cities, and four counties. These commissions reportedly created fairer and more transparent processes centered on community participation rather than political interests.

Jonathan Mehta Stein, Executive Director of California Common Cause, stated: “After years of advocacy by California Common Cause, the League of Women Voters of San Francisco, and our partners, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors is on the verge of sending independent redistricting to the ballot for voters to decide on.”

Stein added: “Some powerful voices in favor of the broken status quo system are attempting to block our common-sense, good-government reform from being referred to the voters with erroneous claims it will politicize the process. Everywhere independent redistricting has been tried, it has led to fair, transparent, and nonpartisan outcomes.”

The decision on implementing independent redistricting now rests with voters if referred by the Board. Advocates argue this measure represents good governance free from partisan disinformation.