Golden State Today

Los Angeles voters have shown strong support for independent redistricting, with over 70% backing Measures DD and LL. These measures aim to transfer decision-making power regarding district boundaries from politicians to independent commissions, impacting both the LA City Council and the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).

The initiative was championed by Angelenos for Fair Maps — Yes on Measures DD & LL!, a coalition of civic engagement groups including AAPI Equity Alliance, ACLU Southern California, and the League of Women Voters Greater Los Angeles.

A statement from Angelenos for Fair Maps highlighted concerns about past abuses in redistricting: "For too long, redistricting has been abused by those in power at City Hall to disempower our communities for their own political gain." The statement emphasized that the approval of these measures empowers citizens to shape their communities' future.

The push for reform gained momentum following leaked tapes revealing racist remarks by city leaders during gerrymandering discussions. In response, Angelenos for Fair Maps engaged communities of color and disenfranchised groups to participate actively in this vote.

Russia Chavis Cardenas from California Common Cause remarked on the significance of these results: “Los Angeles has a dismaying track record of scandal and corruption. These election results begin to turn the city back in the right direction."

Measures DD and LL are expected to ensure fair representation across all demographics in Los Angeles, promising transparent leadership free from undemocratic practices. Angelenos for Fair Maps is committed to working with city officials on implementing these changes.