Governor Schwarzenegger has pursued efforts to reform the way legislative boundaries are drawn in California. The goal of redistricting reform is to promote greater competitiveness in legislative races and restore public confidence in state government. The California Constitution must be amended to change how districts are drawn, requiring a vote of the people. Over the tenure of his administration, the Governor has worked with legislators, as well as with citizens' groups and the voters to explain the need for redistricting reform.

The Governor has said repeatedly that he believes the following principles make for a comprehensive redistricting proposal:

• The creation of an independent, politically balanced and diverse Citizens Redistricting Commission.  
• Districts that respect the Voting Rights Act, state geography and California's communities.
• Transparency and public accountability when redrawing map lines.

In His Own Words:

Governor Schwarzenegger: "California politics is a centrifuge that forces voters and policies and parties away from the center. The centrifuge is powered by the way our legislative and congressional districts are drawn. Now we all know what they're talking about here. They are drawn to eliminate party competition. They work against the mainstream, which is where most Californians are. Currently, ours is not a system of the people, by the people and for the people. It is a system of the parties, by the parties and for the parties." (Governor Schwarzenegger, State of the State Speech, 01/09/07)

Quick Facts:

In the 314 legislative and congressional elections in California prior to June 2008, one a single seat changed party hands.

*For more information on redistricting, you can visit VotersFirstCA.com.