What it is

Proposition 27 will consolidate authority for redistricting with elected representatives. In this process Prop. 27 will eliminate the 14-member commission assigned for redistricting from a pool picked by auditors from the government.  The new authority consolidates and would establish the State Assembly, Senate and Board of Equalization districts responsible for drawing the different representative congressional districts.

Pros/Cons

Supporters say the proposition will reduce the budget and impose limits on how much the legislature may spend for redistricting. Also, voters would have the ability to reject the restricted boundary maps authorized by the California Legislature.  It would also require all district populations of the same office to be the same.

Supporters say Prop. 27 would save taxpayers money and would end any games and politics regarding reapportionment. The main arguments are that the state is poor and in a financial crisis.  This proposition would allow voters to have an opportunity to save money.

Arguments against Prop. 27 are that the politicians behind this measure would repeal the voter-authorized Citizens Redistricting Commission. Also, this measure would allow for easier drawing of safe districts for those politicians who support it.

The estimated fiscal reflection from Proposition 27 would lower the state’s redistricting cost by an estimated $1 million over the following year. Also, it would be a reduction of a few million dollars every 10 years starting in 2020.

Voting yes on Proposition 27 means that the responsibility for redistricting for both the State Legislature and Board of Equalization would be given back to the legislature. In effect this overturns Prop. 11 which was approved by voters in 2008.

A no vote on Prop. 27 means that the responsibility for boundaries would be left in the hands of the citizens’ redistricting commission and wouldn’t be placed in hands of the legislature.

Supporters and opponents

People who oppose this measure include people from various tax payer groups, seniors groups, good government groups, small business owners and community organization.

Student Impact

The district you live in affects which candidates you can vote for. Regardless of whether or not Prop. 20 passes, redistricting will happen. Prop. 20 would place the power of drawing districts for the House of Representatives in the hands of an appointed commission instead of elected state legislators.

Funding pro and con

Major funding for the campaign for Prop. 27 comes from Haim Saban, a producer for television shows including the Power Rangers, who gave $2 billion. Additional funding has come from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees with $1,250,000 and the American Federation of Teachers who contributed $1 million.

It is harder to pin down the amount of money opponents to Prop. 27 spent as there is no formal committee running the campaign. However, Prop. 20 includes poison pill language, which will in effect allow either Prop. 20 or 27 to be put in to effect, depending on which one receives the most votes. Private citizens including Charles T. Munger, Jr. who donated $11,177,603 are the primary source of funding for this committee.