Redistricting Reform in California

The Reform Institute, a national non-partisan public policy organization, today applauded California voters for approving Proposition 11, only the second state to approve such reform via ballot initiative. With the 2010 census looming, passage of the redistricting reform initiative is incredibly timely, and will increase competition in elections and enhance transparency and accountability in government. The victory is generating momentum for additional reforms that promote more voter choices and increase participation in the process, such as open primaries.

"California is in the vanguard of advancing fundamental reform that improves governance and elections, serving as a model for other reform-minded states," said Reform Institute Executive Director Cecilia Martinez. "The Reform Institute was proud to endorse Proposition 11 and is looking forward to working with Governor Schwarzenegger and reformers in the state on achieving open primaries and other vital reforms."

The measure will create an independent commission to redraw state legislative districts based on strict rules that ensure a fair, non-partisan process. The Reform Institute has been an advocate of fundamental reforms such as redistricting reform and open primaries since its inception in 2001. The Institute's report, *Beyond Party Lines: Principles for Redistricting Reform, *provides guidance for improving the redrawing of electoral maps, such as establishing independent commissions to oversee the process. The Institute is also a member of Americans for Redistricting Reform, a national non-partisan coalition seeking to reform the redistricting process.

Information regarding the Reform Institute's efforts on redistricting reform, open primaries and other governance and election reform initiatives is available on the Institute's website at http://www.reforminstitute.org/Default.aspx?cid=2. To arrange to speak with Reform Institute experts, please contact Chris Dreibelbis at 703-535-6897 x 12 or via email at chris@reforminstitute.org.

The Reform Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit educational organization working to strengthen the foundations of our democracy and build a resilient society. The Institute formulates and advocates valuable, solutions-based reform in vital areas of public policy, including homeland and national security, energy and environmental progress, economic opportunity and competitiveness, immigration policy, and governance and election reform. Visit our website at www.reforminstitute.org.