Proposition 77: Redistricting Introduction Background & Chronology: Redistricting in California Recent Proposals Differences Among Proposals The Costa Initiative Legal Challenges to the Costa Initiative Official Voter Information Key Websites Public Opinion Reports, Studies, Round Tables Selected Newspaper Articles, Editorials, and Opinions California Legislative District Profiles January 2006

LIBRARY Institute of Governmental Studies University of California 109 Moses Hall #2370  Berkeley, CA 94720-2370  510-642-1472 (voice)  510-643-0866 (fax) Statewide Returns from the California Secretary of State: Prop. 77: Support 40.2%, Oppose 59.8%

Redistricting is the redrawing of boundaries for legislative districts to reflect changes in population. The California Constitution entrusts the state legislature with adjusting Senatorial, Assembly, Congressional, and Board of Equalization districts every 10 years following the national census (California Constitution, Article XXI). The governor has the authority to approve or veto proposed districts.

Redistricting and reapportionment, the allocation of seats to states, help determine the partisan makeup of our legislative bodies, and strongly affect the representation of ethnic groups and geographic areas within the state. The high political stakes of redistricting and reapportionment have led to recurring struggles over control of the process.

The initiative on the Nov. 8 2005 special election ballot transfers authority to redraw congressional and legislative district boundaries from the legislature to a panel of retired judges, and requires new districts for the 2006 election.

Background & Chronology: Redistricting in California

See California Redistricting Resources for detailed information about 1970-2000 redistricting, including a historical bibliography.

CALIFORNIA REDISTRICTING CHRONOLOGY

2000 - People's Advocate qualified Proposition 24 on the March 7 ballot to transfer authority for reapportionment from the legislature to the California Supreme Court, pending voter approval. The California Supreme Court removed Prop. 24 from the ballot, declaring it to be in violation of the single-subject rule for initiative measures due to the inclusion of unrelated provisions concerning legislators' pay. The 2001 redistricting plan was enacted in two separate bills: AB632 covering Senate and Congressional districts, and SB802 covering Assembly and Board of Equalization districts. The bills passed the legislature September 13, 2001, and were signed by the governor September 26, 2001.

1990 - In September 1991, following the inability of the California governor and legislature to agree on a reapportionment plan, the California Supreme Court appointed three special masters to propose a plan. The masters presented their plan to the Supreme Court in early November, and the Supreme Court adopted the plan on January 27, 1992. Two last hurdles, a federal court challenge and passing muster with the U.S. Department of Justice on Voting Rights Act grounds, were quickly met, and the plan was implemented in time for the June 1992 elections.

1980 - In September 1981 Democratic majorities in the legislature enacted a plan for Senate, Assembly and Congressional districts. The plan was used in the 1982 elections only. The Republican Party backed successful referendum measures that overturned the plan in the June 1982 election (Propositions 10, 11 and 12). However, the state Supreme Court had already ruled that the 1982 elections would proceed according to the plan. Following voter rejection of a redistricting reform proposal on the November 1982 ballot (Proposition 14), the legislature quickly enacted a second--and final--redistricting plan in December 1982.

1970 - In 1971 the governor vetoed the legislature's reapportionment act. The California Supreme Court appointed three Special Masters to recommend to the Court plans for possible adoption together with their underlying rationale. The Special Masters report was adopted by the Court in November 1973.

Recent Proposals

In 2004-05 a number of redistricting proposals were put forward through both legislative and ballot measure channels. In addition, a redistricting model law was proposed by a coalition of public interest organizations. See below for links to the texts of proposals.

Model Law

• Model State Redistricting Law: "California Fair Redistricting Act".
  Asian Pacific American Legal Center, California Common Cause, California League of Women Voters, Center for Governmental Studies.
  June 2005.

Initiatives

• California Office of the Attorney General.
  Initiative Measures, Active: "Redistricting Reform: The Voter Empowerment Act".
  Submitted by Edward J. "Ted" Costa, received Jan. 28, 2005.
  Qualified for the November 8, 2005 Special Election.

• California Office of the Attorney General.
  Initiative Measures, Active: "Fairness and Integrity in Redistricting Act (FAIR)".
  Submitted by David A. Gilliard, received Jan. 26, 2005.

• California Office of the Attorney General.
  Initiative Measures, Active: "Redistricting Reform and Voter Empowerment Act".
  Submitted by David A. Gilliard, received Jan. 18, 2005.

• California Office of the Attorney General.
  Initiative Measures, Active: "Redistricting Reform: The Voter Empowerment Act".
  Submitted by Allan S. Zaremberg, received Jan. 10, 2005.

• California Office of the Attorney General.
  Initiative Measures, Active: "California Fair Voting and Equal Representation Act".
  Submitted by Robert W. Harris, received Jan. 5, 2005.

• Option I
  See "The California Fair Voting and Equal Representation Act (version 1)", Fiscal Analysis Initiatives. Sacramento: Legislative Analysts Office, Feb. 10, 2005.
• Option II
  See "The California Fair Voting and Equal Representation Act (version 2)", Fiscal Analysis Initiatives. Sacramento: Legislative Analysts Office, Feb. 10, 2005.
• Option III
  See "The California Fair Voting and Equal Representation Act (version 3)", Fiscal Analysis Initiatives. Sacramento: Legislative Analysts Office, Feb. 10, 2005.
• Option IV
  See "The California Fair Voting and Equal Representation Act (version 4)", Fiscal Analysis Initiatives. Sacramento: Legislative Analysts Office, Feb. 10, 2005.

For a complete list, go to Active Initiatives provided by the Office of the Attorney General.

Bills in the California Legislature

• Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 (1st Ex. Sess.)
  Introduced by Assembly Members Canciamilla and Richman.
  February 11, 2005
  A resolution to propose to the people of the State of California an amendment to the Constitution of the State, by repealing and adding Section 1 of Article XXI thereof, relating to redistricting.
• Assembly Constitutional Amendment 3 (1st Ex. Sess.)
  Introduced by Assembly Members McCarthy and Runner, January 13, 2005.
  Amended in Assembly, March 2, 2005.
  A resolution to propose to the people of the State of California an amendment to the Constitution of the State, by amending Section 1 of, and adding Sections 2, 3, and 4 to, Article XXI thereof, relating to elections.
• Assembly Constitutional Amendment 8
  Introduced by Assembly Member Maze.
  Dec. 6, 2004
  A resolution to propose to the people of the State of California an amendment to the Constitution of the State, by amending Section 1 of, and adding Sections 2, 3, and 4 to, Article XXI thereof, relating to elections.
• Senate Constitutional Amendment 3
  Introduced by Senator Lowenthal.
  Dec. 6, 2004, amended June 13, 2005, amended June 27, 2005.
  A resolution to propose to the people of the State of California an amendment to the Constitution of the State, by repealing and adding Section 1 of Article XXI thereof, relating to redistricting.

Differences Among Proposals

See the spreadsheet Redistricting Initiatives and Bills Comparison Chart (also available as an Excel file) for detailed descriptions of the proposals.

In general, proposals differ in the following attributes:

When effective?

Some proposals would become effective immediately, triggering mid-decade redistricting. Some exempt congressional districts until the next regular redistricting in 2011. Still others would reform the process for all districts, but not take effect until 2011.

Who draws the maps?

Some proposals call for new districts to be drawn by a panel of retired judges chosen from a pool of applicants identified by the California Judicial Council. Others include more input from legislative leaders in the selection of judges. Still others call for independent redistricting commissions whose members are not necessarily judges.

How competitive?

Proposals differ in the degree to which they seek to create competitive districts. Some proposals prohibit consideration of the potential effects on incumbents or political parties. Others require a voter registration difference of 7% or less between the two major political parties in each district.

Nesting?

Some proposals would require that Senatorial districts be comprised of two contiguous Assembly districts, a practice known as nesting.

What role for voters?

Some proposals would send the final redistricting plans to the voters for approval. Others would become effective when approved by the redistricting panel or commission.

The Costa Initiative

Entitled "Redistricting Reform: The Voter Empowerment Act," this initiative is authored by Ted Costa, a founder of the 2003 gubernatorial recall. The key provisions of the initiative:

• 2001 boundaries would be voided. Redistricting of Senatorial, Assembly, Congressional, and Board of Equalization districts would begin within 20 days of passage.
• A panel of three retired judges, called Special Masters, would draw the new districts.
• Details of the process for selecting the Special Masters from a pool of 16 retired judges who have never held partisan office are at "Redistricting Reform: The Voter Empowerment Act" SECTION 2. This selection process includes the participation of legislative leaders.
• Criteria for redistricting would include population parity, compliance with federal statutes (including the Voting Rights Act), and to the greatest extent practicable, the preservation of county and city lines.
• No consideration given as to the potential effects on incumbents or political parties. No data regarding the voting history of electors may be used, except as required by federal law.
• The final redistricting plan would be submitted to the voters as an initiative statute in the next general election.
• If the voters reject the plan, a new panel of Special Masters is appointed and the process begins again.

Full text of the initiative as submitted to the California Attorney General is at http://www.ag.ca.gov/initiatives/pdf/sa2004rf0037_amdt_1_ns.pdf.

Arguments For the Initiative:

Supporters of the initiative argue that the current system allows legislators to draw district lines that eliminate competition and preserve the current partisan balance. They maintain that taking the process out of the hands of politicians will lead to districts that are more responsive to voters. Supporters of redistricting reform contend that more competitive races will lead to more moderate legislators.

Arguments Against the Initiative:

Opponents of the initiative say that it opens the door to constant revisions. They contend that the current partisan balance in the state Legislature is closely matched to the balance of total votes by party in the state. They argue that redistricting is inherently political and promising to de-politicize it will only create false and harmful expectations. They contend that the current California Constitution procedures for redistricting appropriately give elected legislators the authority to make decisions on behalf of the people they represent.

Legal Challenges to the Costa Initiative

On July 21 Superior Court Judge Gail Ohanesian ruled that the qualifying signatures for Proposition 77 were gathered illegally and ordered it removed from the ballot. Backers of the proposition improperly submitted one version of the measure to the state Attorney General for preparation of the official title and summary, and used a different version to collect signatures. Proponents of the proposition argued that the differences are immaterial, but Judge Ohanesian ruled that they "go to the substantive terms of the measure."

On July 25 the Third District Court of Appeal temporarily suspended the measure's removal from the ballot, allowing it to be included in the public review period for initiatives. The request to allow public review was part of an appeal by Costa to reverse the Superior Court's disqualification of the measure.

The Court of Appeal ruled on August 9 that the discrepencies between the two versions of the initiative constituted "a clear violation of the constitutional and statutory procedure for the circulating of an initiative petition." The following day the backers of the measure submitted an appeal to the California Supreme Court.

On August 12 the California Supreme Court ruled that "it would not be appropriate to deny the electorate the opportunity to vote" on the measure, thereby placing Proposition 77 back on the ballot.

Official Voter Information

Official Voter Information Guide

Campaign Finance:
Individual Campaign Committees
Total Contributions and Expenditures (select "Nov. 2005 election" and "Prop. 77" in dropdown boxes)

Key Websites

Better California
Anti-Prop. 77 site from Alliance for a Better California

California Governance: Redistricting
Center for Governmental Studies (CGS). Includes reports, memos, links to resources.

Fair Districts Now
Pro-Proposition 77 campaign website by People's Advocate.

Join Arnold
Schwarzenegger site supporting Proposition 77.

League of Women Voters
Prop. 77 site.

No On Proposition 77
Anti-Proposition 77 campaign website by Californians For Fair Representation.

California Chamber of Commerce
See press release of Dec. 6, 2004: California Chamber of Commerce Announces Support for Reapportionment Reform.

California Common Cause
See report of April, 2005: Designer Districts: Safe Seats Tailor Made for Incumbants.

Common Cause
See press release of October 5, 2005 announcing endorsement of Prop. 77.

FairVote: The Center for Voting and Democracy
See the Redistricting area of this website, especially Mapping our Future: A Public Interest Guide to Redistricting, which includes information on redistricting in all 50 states.

Statewide Database
The Statewide Database (SWDB) is the redistricting database for the state of California. This website includes reports and documentation, downloads, and recent California redistricting news.

CA Propositions 75, 76, 77 Defeated; Propositions 73, 74 Could Go Either Way. SurveyUSA, Election Poll #7443, Nov. 7, 2005.

Knowledge Networks 2005 Election Survey. Palo Alto, Hoover Institute, Nov. 7, 2005.

Schwarzenegger Propositions Still Trailing: Three of four ballot initiatives backed by Governor are behind and Proposition 75 is now in a dead heat. Support for both prescription drug initiatives falls. Polimetrix poll, Nov. 6, 2005.

Propositions 75, 76 and 77 appear to be losing; Voters divided on proposition 74. Los Angeles Times Poll, Nov. 2, 2005.

Propositions 73, 74, 75, 77 Losing Ground. Survey USA, Election Poll #7362, Nov. 1, 2005.

NO side leads YES side on all four of the propositions backed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Field Poll, Release 2174, Nov. 1, 2005.

Knowledge Networks 2005 Election Survey. Palo Alto, Hoover Institute, Oct. 17, 2005.
Methodology and results of survey one
Methodology and results of survey two

Baldassare, Mark.
PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey on Californians and the Initiative Process. San Francisco: Public Policy Institute of California, October 2005.

Baldassare, Mark.
Special Survey on Californians and the Initiative Process. San Francisco: Public Policy Institute of California, Public Policy Institute, September 2005

Prop. 75 continues to lead by big margin: strong tide running against prop. 76: Yes vote dropping on Prop. 74: narrow sentiment against prop. 77: divided vote on Prop. 80. Field Poll, Release 2168, Sept. 5, 2005.

Baldassare, Mark.
PPIC Statewide Survey: Special Survey on Californians and the Initiative Process. San Francisco: Public Policy Institute of California, August 2005.

California statewide survey of redistricting: Claremont McKenna College, Apr. 2005.
Read press release and report.

Schwarzenegger's Special Election Initiatives: More voters inclined to vote no on Governor's state spending/school funding and redistricting initiatives. Majority favors school teachers tenure changes. Field Poll, Release 2159, June 22, 2005.

Voters narrowly back governor's legislative redistricting plan; Some initial support for other Schwarzenegger reform proposals; Broad dissaproval of a special election if it costs $50-$70 million.Field Poll, Release 2153, Feb. 24, 2005.

Special survey on the California State Budget. PPIC Statewide Survey, January 2005.
See page 10, Special Elections and Political Reforms, for polling on redistricting reform.

Reports, Studies, Round Tables

Proposition 76: Redistricting: 2005 Special Election Analyses, USC CAlifornia Policy Institute, Oct. 2005.
Analysis
Summary Points

Johnson, Douglas; Lampe, Elise; Levitt, Justin; Lee, Andrew.
California's Need for Redistricting Reform and the Likely Impact of Proposition 77. Claremont, CA: Rose Institute of State and Local Government, Sept. 26, 2005.

Committee for No on 77.
Proposition 77 - A White Paper.
Includes a response to Rose Institute report above.

Weisbard, Ari; Wilkinson, Jeannie.
Drawing lines: a public interest guide to real redistricting reform. Los Angeles, CA: Center for Governmental Studies, February 2005, updated June 2005.

Common Cause Education Fund.
Designer Districts: Safe Seats Tailor Made for Incumbents. Washington, D.C.: Common Cause Education Fund, April 2005.

Commonwealth Club of California.
Transcript of Round Table on Redistricting, March 17 2005.

Johnson, Douglas.
Competitive districts in California: A case study of California's redistricting in the 1990's: The Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont McKenna College, Feb. 21, 2005.

Garrett, Elizabeth.
Apportionment: Another California revolution?: Initiative and Referendum Institute Report 2005-1, University of Southern California, February 2005.

Selected Newspaper Articles, Editorials and Opinions

The following citations include links to full-text online when available. For more info, see Tips for Finding Full-Text Articles.

Doyle, Michael.
"Prop. 77 had foes in House:L Congress members gave cash in final days to fight redistricting measure," Sacramento Bee, Nov. 12, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Richman, Josh; Geissinger, Steve.
"District lines on table for talking: Following defeat of Prop. 77, both parties are amenable to changes, but the devil is in the details," Oakland Tribune, Nov. 11, 2005.
Oakland Tribune

Sanders, Jim.
"Democrats embracing overhaul of redistricting: Nunez, Perata say change is needed - just not Prop. 77," Sacramento Bee, Nov. 10, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Garcia, Edwin.
"Redistricting plan headed for loss: Voters reject idea of letting ex-judges draw voting boundaries," San Jose Mercury News, Nov. 9, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Wildermuth, John.
"Redistricting: Voters reject attempt to take boundary-drawing from the hands of state legislators," San Francisco Chronicle, Nov. 9, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Weintraub, Daniel [Opinion].
"The politicians are lying to you about Prop. 77," Sacramento Bee, Nov. 3, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Salladay, Robert.
"Gov. Has Label for Unions: Liar. Stumping in friendly GOP strongholds, Schwarzenegger says opponents are misrepresenting his slate of initiatives," Los Angeles Times, Nov. 2, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Finnegan, Michael.
"Voters Dislike 3 of Governor's Ballot Measures: His initiatives on state spending, redistricting and unions are all in trouble, reflective of his declining popularity. A tenure issue is a tossup," Los Angeles Times, Nov. 2, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Walters, Dan [Opinion].
"If Prop. 77 falters, a dysfunctional Capitol would continue," Sacramento Bee, Nov. 1, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Chance, Amy.
"Ballot measure ads deliver a personal pitch to voters," Sacramento Bee, Oct. 31, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

"Jury Summons Or Political Mailer?" Capital Notes, Oct. 28, 2005.
Capital Notes

Gledhill, Lynda.
"Governor's ballot not faring well: Poll finds support for measures weak," San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 28, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Sanders, Jim.
"Panel's makeup is a concern: Ex-judges drawing districts under Prop. 77 likely would be older white males," Sacramento Bee, Oct. 27, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

York, Anthony.
"Proponents of redistricting measure seek to highlight support of Democrats, good-government groups," Capitol Weekly, Oct. 27, 2005.
Capitol Weekly

Sanders, Jim.
"Prop. 77 could create quirks: But a vote on district maps is still a better way, backers say," Sacramento Bee, Oct. 24, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Vogel, Nancy.
"Drawing New Maps a Daunting Possibility," Los Angeles Times, Oct. 24, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Weintraub, Daniel.
"Party leaders have their loyalty tests backward," Sacramento Bee, Oct. 20, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Sanders, Jim.
"Precursor to Prop. 77 'orchestrated well': Both parties got what they wanted in 2001, at least in the short term," Sacramento Bee, Oct. 19, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Marinucci, Carla; Wildermuth, John.
"Prop. 77 splits Common Cause in state: Anger over support by national group for redistricting measure," San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 18, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Wildermuth, John.
"Debate on Prop. 77 over retired judges," San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 17, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Lacayo, Hank.
"No on Prop. 77: Political advantage parading as reform," Sacramento Bee, Oct. 16, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Puzzanghera, Jim.
"Initiative wording debated: Redistricting measure doesn't spell out competitive elections," San Jose Mercury News, Oct. 15, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

[Opinion]
"Stop the Schwarzenegger power grab. Yes on 79, no on 78. Sandoval for assessor. Complete recommendations for the Nov. 8 election," San Francisco Bay Guardian, Oct. 13, 2005.
San Francisco Bay Guardian

Sheppard, Harrison.
"Prop. 77 - Pro: Races would be more competitive," Daily News of Los Angeles, Oct. 13, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Sheppard, Harrison.
"Prop. 77 - Con: Measure power graby by GOP," Los Angeles Daily News, Oct. 12, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

[Opinion].
"The Chronicle recommends: Prop. 77: A fairer way to draw lines," San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 12, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Schrag, Peter [Opinion].
"Proposition 77: It serves 'em right, but not us," Sacramento Bee, Oct. 12, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Wildermuth, John.
"Political boundary battle hits ballot for 6th time: Awareness growing, say Prop. 77 backers, including governor," San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 12, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Sanders, Jim.
"Prop. 77 seeks bipartisan image: Backers of redistricting hope to avoid perception of a GOP power play," Sacramento Bee, Oct. 11, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Sanders, Debra [Opinion].
"A reason to vote for redistricting," San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 9, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Wildermuth, John.
"Redistricting initiative would set state apart: But opponents blast Proposition 77 as a 'reckless experiment'," San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 7, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Morain, Dan; Salladay, Robert.
"Campaign Finance Laws Vex Gov., Foes: While both sides contend with donation limits, they turn focus to early voters. Democrats ease up on protests at Schwarzenegger events," Los Angeles Times, Oct. 7, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Berthelsen, Christian.
"Group backing remap initiative caught up in donations dispute: Committee returns $1.25 million to Schwarzenegger," San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 7, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

York, Anthony.
"Web exclusive: Democrats accuse Schwarzenegger, Prop. 77 campaign of breaking campaign finance laws," Capitol Weekly, Oct. 6, 2005.
Capitol Weekly

Lacayo, Hank [Opinion].
"Redistricting: Redrawing the political boundaries: Reform or power grab?" San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 5, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Poizner, Steve [Opinion].
"Redistricting: Redrawing the political boundaries: Bring back competitive elections," San Francisco Chronicle, Oct. 5, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Barrera, Edward.
"Legal experts: Prop. 77 could affect local seats, other reforms needed," Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Oct. 4, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Rarick, Ethan.
"Learning to love gerrymandering," Los Angeles Times, Oct. 2, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

[Opinion].
"Yes on Prop. 77: Measure would restore fairness,competition to state's elections and improve public policy," Fresno Bee, Oct. 2, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Boren, Jim [Opinion].
"Don't listen to politicians: redistricting good for state," Fresno Bee, Oct. 2, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Weintraub, Daniel.
"How Prop. 77 would boost political competition," Sacramento Bee, Sept. 29, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Gledhill, Lynda.
"Voters unhappy with governor, his initiatives -- poll: 55% disapprove of job he is doing, none of his measures in survey top 43% approval," San Francisco Chronicle, Sept. 29, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Schrag, Peter [Opinion].
"The governor makes the election choices easy," Sacramento Bee, Sept. 28, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Sheppard, Harrison.
"Moving the lines of power: Study: Redistricting could favor Latino in Congress," Los Angeles Daily News, Sept. 27, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Wildermuth, John.
"'Nonpartisan' measure draws partisan debate : Redistricting plan hotly contested at legislative hearing," San Francisco Chronicle, Sept. 27, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Vogel, Nancy.
"Modest Change Seen Under Prop. 77 - Redistricting would create some closer races, a study says, but a power shift is thought unlikely," Los Angeles Times, Sept. 27, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

"Several States May Revisit Redistricting: California voters are not the only ones who will decide whether to take the redrawing of political lines out of the hands of officeholders," Los Angeles Times, Sept. 26, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

[Opinion]
"Yes on 77: Here's the best way to make Sacramento accountable again," Press Democrat, Sept. 26, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Wildermuth, Johm; Marinucci, Carla.
"Business, labor ante up in play for power: Public employee unions donate $60 million to fight against governor's ballot measures," San Francisco Chronicle, Sept. 26, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Furillo, Andy.
"State worker unions flexing muscle: They're spending millions to thwart governor and his ballot measures," Sacramento Bee, Sept. 26, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Salladay, Robert; Morain, Dan.
"Gov. Donates $1.25 Million, Backs 6 Initiatives," Los Angeles Times, Sept. 24, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Skelton, George [Opinion].
"Redistricting Does Need a Change, Just Not This One," Los Angeles Times, Sept. 19, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Rohrlich, Ted.
"Activists Try to Knock Out Ballot Propositions: Volunteers statewide go door to door and urge voters to defeat measures 74, 75 and 76, which they say harm teachers and unions," Los Angeles Times, Sept. 11, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Whitney, David.
"Ballot item creates GOP split: Doolittle opposes proposition on redistricting, but activists, other Republicans back it," Sacramento Bee, Sept. 11, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Sanders, Jim.
"Nunez goes into attack mode on Prop. 77," Sacramento Bee, Sept. 10, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Furillo, Andy.
"Commercial seeks to link Prop. 75 to governor," Sacramento Bee, Sept. 9, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Gledhill, Lynda.
"Governor's initiatives losing public support: Schwarzenegger has hard sell ahead," San Francisco Chronicle, Sept. 5, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Wildermuth, John
"Redistricting: incumbents team up to oppose Schwarzenegger on Prop. 77," San Francisco Chronicle, Aug. 26, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Marinucci, Carla
"Governor's numbers fall even lower in poll: none of his ballot measures wins majority backing," San Francisco Chronicle, Aug. 25, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Bluth, Alexa H.
"Initiative funding limit lifted for lawmakers," Sacramento Bee, Aug. 19, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

"Prop 77 And The Governor's Lawyer," Capital Notes, Aug. 19, 2005.
Capital Notes

Vogel, Nancy; Finnegan, Michael.
"Stage Set for Fundraising Free-for-All: California congressmen can now raise unlimited amounts to oppose the governor's redistricting measure. There are national implications," Los Angeles Times, Aug. 19, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Werner, Erica
"Unlimited money in Schwarzenegger plan OK'd ," San Francisco Chronicle, Aug. 18, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Scrag, Peter [Opinion].
"Prop. 77: Off again, on again, gone again, Finnegan," Sacramento Bee, Aug. 17, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Widermuth, John
"New districts possible for June 2006 vote: if Prop. 77 passes, Secretary of State sees quick implementation," San Francisco Chronicle, Aug. 16, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Murphy, Dean
"Redistricting referendum resurrected in California," New York Times, Aug. 13, 2005.
ProQuest (UCB)

Berthelsen, Christian
"Redistricting appeal goes to high court," San Francisco Chronicle, Aug. 11, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Berthelsen, Christian
"Redistricting measure loses in appeals court," San Francisco Chronicle, Aug. 10, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

[Opinion]
"Behind the ballot snafu," San Francisco Chronicle, Aug. 4, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Morain, Dan; Vogel, Nancy.
"2005 political fundraising at $226 million: National drug firms supporting Prop. 78 on the fall ballot lead the way in candidates' and causes' efforts to build war chests," Los Angeles Times, Aug. 2, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Turner, Paul; Hill Steven [Opinion].
"Redistricting reform: Road map to nowhere?" Sacramento Bee, July 31, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Weintraub, Daniel.
"Proposition 77 case pits principle vs. voters' will," Sacramento Bee, July 26, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Quinn, Tony.
"Arnold's own Keystone Kops," Sacramento Bee, July 26, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Vogel, Nancy; Nicholas, Peter.
"Governor Refuses to Cancel Nov. 8 Special Election: Panel temporarily stays a court ruling striking from the ballot a redistricting measure," Los Angeles Times, July 26, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Sanders, Jim.
"Redistricting measure gets reprieve: Ruling assures a public review - not a ballot spot - for Prop. 77," Sacramento Bee, July 26, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Murphy, Dean E.
"Setback for Schwarzenegger On a Redistricting Measure," New York Times, July 22, 2005.
ProQuest

Wildermuth, John.
"Redistricting plan thrown off state ballot: Judge rules backers of measure presented two different versions," San Francisco Chronicle, July 22, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Sanders, Jim.
"Redistricting revelations spark furor: Letters fly among political attorneys over differences in wording on Proposition 77," Sacramento Bee, July 16, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Sanders, Jim.
"Flawed measure ignites new flap: Problem was known for a week before disclosure of redistricting ballot glitch," Sacramento Bee, July 15, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Sanders, Jim.
"Perata, Nunez seek to join suit: Lockyer suit called a 'matter of policy'," Sacramento Bee, July 13, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Barbour, Heather.
"Size matters in remapping state legislative boundaries: It's not a district's shape but how many people it has," San Francisco Chronicle, July 10, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Wildermuth, John; Gledhill, Lynda.
"Lockyer asks court to reject remap initiative," San Francisco Chronicle, July 9, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Bluth, Alexa H.
"Lockyer sues to bar ballot item: He says having two versions of redistricting measure is illegal," Sacramento Bee, July 9, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Wildermuth, John.
"Redistricting measure could drop off ballot: Version sent to state different from one used for signatures," San Francisco Chronicle, July 7, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Sanders, Jim.
"Ballot measure faces legal review: The attorney general is looking at initiative's wording discrepancies," Sacramento Bee, July 6, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Yost, Phil.
"Democrats' redistricting amendment comes up short: Plan tops initiative in some ways, but lawmakers remain too involved," San Jose Mercury News, July 3, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Walters, Dan [Opinion]
"Senate's redistricting scheme is even worse than status quo," Sacramento Bee, June 29, 2005.
NewsBank

Berthelsen, Christian.
"Dems offer redistricting plan to counter governor's plan: GOP says it leaves Legislature with too much power," San Francisco Chronicle, June 29, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Drucker, David M.
"Dems' redistricting plan based on a political panel," Sacramento Bee, June 28, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Delsohn, Gary.
"No tough talk as measures trail: The governor takes some responsibility for the partisan rift that led to initiatives," Sacramento Bee, June 22, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Wildermuth, John.
"Voters cool toward 2 of 3 ballot initiatives," San Francisco Chronicle, June 22, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Bennefield, Kerry.
"Recall leader eyes voter districts: Redistricting plan likely to make statewide ballot," Press Democrat, May 25, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Lawrence, Steve.
"McPherson says new lines can't be in place for 2006 elections," San Francisco Chronicle, May 18, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Weintraub, Daniel [Opinion].
"Letting the voters choose their legislators," Sacramento Bee, May 10, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

LaMar, Andrew.
"Governor pushes on with his initiatives: Petition drive ends on redistricting as deadline looms," San Jose Mercury News, May 6, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Furillo, Andy.
"Ballot drive called a success: Three measures will qualify for a special election, governor says," Sacramento Bee, May 2, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Drucker, David M.
"Arnold scorned by backer over shift on redistricting," Los Angeles Daily News, Apr. 29, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Marelius, John.
"Schwarzenegger softens redistricting demand," San Diego Union-Tribune, Apr. 28, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Salladay, Robert; Rau, Jordan.
"Gov. Relents on Sped-Up Remapping: Schwarzenegger drops a demand that political districts be redrawn by next year. Some now call special election unlikely, but ballot effort goes on," Los Angeles Times, Apr. 28, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Martin, Mark
"Governor hedges on redistricting agenda: he admits it may not be possible to redraw voter boundaries by the 2006 elections," San Francisco Chronicle, Apr. 28, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Marelius, John.
"Clock's ticking on initiative to revise redistricting rules," San Diego Union-Tribune, Apr. 19, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Weintraub, Daniel [Opinion]
"Did pension gambit set stage for solid reforms?," Sacramento Bee, Apr. 12, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Walters, Dan.
"Anti-democratic gerrymander could be trashed before 2010," Sacramento Bee, April 15, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Broder, David S.
"Crossing lines in California," Washington Post, Mar. 31, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Quinn, Tony.
"Slow Down and Strike a Deal," Los Angeles Times, Mar. 27, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

[Opinion] Quinn, Tony
"Leave redistricting to these judges? Absurd!," Sacramento Bee, March 13, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Weintraub, Daniel
"Line-drawing issue crucial to governor's plans," Sacramento Bee, March 8, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Brownstein, Ronald
"Redrawing rules and boundaries: Early redistricting for political gain has spread, defying tradition and increasing the push for nonpartisan decisions in states such as California," Los Angeles Times, March 2, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Nicholas, Peter and Robert Salladay
"Entree comes With familiar side of Governor: Schwarzenegger takes his battle with the legislature to a restaurant, where he dishes up heaping helpings of partisanship," Los Angeles Times, March 2, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Martin, Mark
"Governor takes key step toward special election: frustrated with lawmakers, he opens signature drive for initiatives," San Francisco Chronicle, March 2, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Vogel, Nancy.
"Democrats offer deal on remap: Lawmakers would no longer draw districts if governor agrees to begin plan after 2010 census," Los Angeles Times, Mar. 1, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Walters, Dan [Opinion]
"Only the unreasonable can oppose a revamp of redistricting," Sacramento Bee, Feb. 25, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Marelius, John.
"Governor, Democrats spar over redistricting," San Diego Union-Tribune, Feb. 25, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Lawrence, Steve.
"Governor's plan may not produce many more competitive seats," San Francisco Chronicle, Feb. 20, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

[Opinion] Jeffe, Sherry Bebitch.
"Schwarzenegger's risky scribble," Los Angeles Times, Feb. 20, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Puzzanghera, Jim.
"Governor gets support for plan to redraw districts," San Jose Mercury News, Feb. 18, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Vorderbrueggen, Lisa.
"Canciamilla eyes relaxed term limits," Contra Costa Times, Feb. 17, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Delsohn, Gary and Andy Furillo.
"Group set to back redistricting revamp," Sacramento Bee, Feb. 17, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

"Looking to design a fairer map: The governor's plan to take redistricting from lawmakers could make more political races competitive," Los Angeles Times, Feb. 13, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

LaMar, Andrew,
"Perata calls district redrawing 'DOA'," Contra Costa Times, Feb. 10, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

[Opinion] Abramowitz, Alan and Brad Alexander, Matthew Gunning.
"Governor's plan to redraw the political map: Don't blame redistricting for uncompetitive elections ," San Francisco Chronicle, Feb.10, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

[Opinion] Poochigian, Chuck.
"Governor's plan to redraw the political map: Drawing on more effective representation," San Francisco Chronicle, Feb.10, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Nicholas, Peter.
"GOP fears a redistricting backfire: Schwarzenegger plan is seen as jeopardizing control of Congress," Los Angeles Times, Feb. 8, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Walters, Dan.
"Is it true redistricting reform, or is it just a GOP power grab?," Sacramento Bee, Feb. 4, 2005.
Statewide Database

Fitzenberger, Jennifer M.
"Lawmaker advocates 'nesting': Senator favors method of redoing political districts," Fresno Bee, Jan. 31, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Drucker, David M.
"Rift over redistricting: Arnold says he's figthting gerrymandering, critics call it power grab," Los Angeles Daily News, Jan. 31, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Sanders, Jim.
"Ballot plan for two key issues: An assemblyman wants to link redistricting and expanded term limits," Sacramento Bee, Jan. 28, 2005.
Statewide Database

Marelius, John.
"Redistricting plan's impact is uncertain: Governor backs bill calling for changes before '06," San Diego Union-Tribune, Jan. 23, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Sanders, Jim.
"Drive to redraw political boundaries splits Capitol: Governor, legislators at odds on proposals to redistrict," Sacramento Bee, Jan. 23, 2005.
Sacramento Bee

Vogel, Nancy.
"Bill would cast judges as political cartographers: State legislators would no longer map voting districts under a plan the governor supports ," Los Angeles Times, Jan. 15, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Hubbell, John M.
"Plan puts redistricting in judges' hands: Governor proposes bypassing voter, lawmaker approval," San Francisco Chronicle, Jan. 15, 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle

Skelton, George.
"Loosening term limits: key lies in honest remapping," Los Angeles Times, Jan. 13, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Talev, Margaret.
"Effort to limit remap is launched: lobbying firm, consultant aim to exempt Congress members from any bid to redraw political lines," Sacramento Bee, Jan. 9, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Nicholas, Peter.
"A term limit-remap trade off? Lawmakers suggest it might be a way for the governor to gain support for his plan," Los Angeles Times, Jan. 5, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Barabak, Mark Z.
"Gov. walks a fine line on boundaries," Los Angeles Times, Jan. 5, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Delsohn, Gary.
"Governor calls for 'bold new era': he proposes 4 major government 'reforms'," Sacramento Bee, Jan. 6, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Nicholas, Peter.
"Gov. to call for special session: Legislature will be asked to consider new ways to rein in spending and draw political districts," Los Angeles Times, Jan. 1, 2005.
NewsBank (UCB)

Whitney, David.
"Redistrict process divides even GOP," Sacramento Bee, Dec. 26, 2004.
Fair Districts Now

[Editorial]
"A map toward better legislating," San Francisco Chronicle, Dec. 19, 2004.
San Francisco Chronicle

Walters, Dan.
"Governor readies his crucial try at changing government," Sacramento Bee, Dec. 19, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Marimow, Ann E.
"Governor ponders special election: push for costly reforms poses political risks for Schwarzenegger," San Jose Mercury News, Dec. 13, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Gledhill, Lynda.
"Panel sees good, bad in state overhaul plan," San Francisco Chronicle, Dec. 11, 2004.
San Francisco Chronicle

Ellis, John.
"Battle lines forming on redistricting," Fresno Bee, Dec. 4, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Chance, Amy.
"Analysis: Governor may go to voters yet again. Some see a special election as best way to pursue his agenda," Sacramento Bee, Dec. 2, 2004.
Statewide Database

[Opinion] Nunez, Fabian.
"Other views: Is California itchin' to follow Texas' redistricting blueprint?," Sacramento Bee, Dec. 2, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Nicholas, Peter.
"Governor considers a special election: Schwarzenegger and his team want to change the way California's political districts are drawn, put a limit on spending, and more," Los Angeles Times, Dec. 2, 2004.
NewsBank

Sheppard, Harrison.
"New redistricting petition drive OK'd: 3-judge panel would set boundaries," Los Angeles Daily News, Dec. 1, 2004.
NewsBank

Hill, Steven.
"A safe seat for twenty grand," AlterNet, Nov. 23, 2004.
AlterNet

Savodnik, Peter.
"Redistricting initiative gains ground -- slowly -- in Calif.," The Hill, Nov. 16, 2004.
The Hill

Rose, Ryan.
"LA Chamber votes To support term limit and redistricting change," Sacramento Union, Nov. 16, 2004.
Sacramento Union

Vorderbrueggen, Lisa.
"Safe seats rile author of recall: push for redistricting resurfaces after election results show little change,” Contra Costa Times, Nov. 12, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

[Editorial]
"Serving the Pols, Not the People," Los Angeles Times, Nov. 10, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Ackerman, Elise and Stober, Dan.
"Poizner concedes to Ruskin in spotlight Assembly race," San Jose Mercury News, Nov. 8, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

[Opinion]
"Correcting an unfair system," Ventura County Star, Nov. 8, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

[Editorial]
"Voting hoax," The Press-Enterprise, (Riverside, CA), Nov. 5, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

LaMar, Andrew and Folmar, Kate.
"Big spending produces no capitol change: Governor has more evidence to redraw map," San Jose Mercury News, Nov. 4, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Quinn, Tony.
"Gerrymandering: crazy-quilt districts make your vote pointless," Los Angeles Times, Oct. 31, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Mendel, Ed.
"State has few unset races: Governor faults status quo policy," San Diego Union-Tribune, Oct. 31, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Stinchcombe , Kai.
"California’s state government: Taxation without representation," Stanford Daily, Aug. 26, 2004.
Stanford Daily

Puzzanghera, Jim.
"Silicon Valley's Republican: L.A.-area ally of Schwarzenegger and Bush state's most visible conservative in congress," San Jose Mercury News, July 12, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

[Editorial]
"Political 'insider traders' swap votes in cozy deals that cheat taxpayers in every election," Fresno Bee, June 13, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Costa, Ted.
"Can this system be saved?: No: Formula for corruption makes elections all about money and protecting 'me, me, me'," Fresno Bee, June 13, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Hodson, Timothy A.
"Can this system be saved?: Yes: This is a democracy: we elect people to the Legislature to make decisions for us," Fresno Bee, June 13, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Schecter, David L.
"When power players control our votes, it's time for change," Fresno Bee, June 13, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Nunes, Devin.
"Cheater's toolbox hammers voters," Fresno Bee, June 13, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Doyle, Michael.
"House GOP freshman a loner on redistricting: Revamping how congressional boundaries are drawn is a touchy issue for Devin Nunes' colleagues," Sacramento Bee, April 12, 2004.
NewsBank (UCB)

Mann, Thomas E.
"Redistricting reform: what is desirable? possible?," Brookings Institution, April 12, 2004 draft.
Brookings Institution

McDonald, Michael.
"Enhancing Competitiveness in Redistricting," United States Election Project, n.d.
United States Election Project

Prepared by the staff of the IGS Library. Send comments to igsl@uclink.berkeley.edu.