​​​What is redistricting?​

The Community College District's population continues to change in size, and our mobility means our population shifts. Accordingly, every ten years, following the federal census, the districts from which we elect our representatives must be adjusted so they are equal in population. This process is known as “redistricting." This process is happening now.

Who draws the lines?

The Board of Trustees makes the ultimate decision on how the new boundaries will look. The California Fair Maps Act requires them to work with the public to get input to draw fair maps that will benefit the community. So while they make the decision, it is with community suggestions and input.

What are the rules for creating new districts?

The following criteria is used to draw the new maps:

• Population equality
• Compliance with the federal and Califonia Voting Rights Act (VRA)
• Contiguity
• Geographic integrity
• Uniting communities of interest
• Compactness

Could you explain what these criteria mean?

• Population equality: a requirement that political districts have a “reasonably equal" number of residents. ​Districts are allowed to have a population deviation of 10%.
• Compliance with the federal and California Voting Rights Act: a civil rights law that prohibits discriminatory        voting practices. Section 2 of the VRA protects against diluting a racial minority's vote where (1) the racial        minority is big enough to make up a majority in one district, (2) the minority group is politically cohesive, and (3) the majority votes as a bloc to consistently defeat the minority group's preferred candidate.
• Contiguity: all areas in the district are physically connected to each other.
• Geographic integrity of any city, county, city and county, local neighborhood or local community of interest: to  the extent possible, these entities shouldn't be divided and put into different districts.
• Community of interest: a community of interest is a community with shared characteristics, interests, or needs.
• Compactness: where practicable, districts should not be not too elongated or spread out or too jagged.

How will all this happen?

The district is holding up to three public hearings to present draft proposals of new Trustee Areas and to get input from residents, students and stakeholders to determine which map should be the new Trustee Area Map for the next 10 years. This input will help the Board of Trustees make the decision on which map will be chosen.

How long will this take?

The deadline to have a map approved and submitted to the Orange County Registrar of Voters is February 28, 2022. The board approval must be completed by early February, 2022 at the latest.

Why should I care about any of this?

Every ten years district lines are redrawn to assure that all districts have nearly equal population. Populations change over a decade. If districts are redrawn to keep communities intact, people are better able to elect representatives who will represent their interests

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