Monterey County hosts a redistricting workshop for residents
MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) On Tuesday night, Monterey County is hosting a redistricting workshop for Monterey County residents and voters.
The workshop will be live on Zoom and Facebook at 6 p.m.
Panelists: Mary Claypool, 1st Vice President NAACP Monterey County Branch, Sharon Miller, Vice President League of Women Voters, Andrew Sandoval, District 12 Director LULAC.
Claypool says redistricting is carried out every ten years and it's done so that everyone has voting power.
"Political lines must be redrawn so that the population in each district is roughly equal in size and the maps do not dilute the voting power of communities of color," said Claypool during the online panel. "The reason that they change is people move out of the area, new people move into the area, children become of voting age, and people pass away."
Redistricting is the process of redrawing districts that each have the same number of residents. This occurs every 10 years after the census because, over time, the districts can become uneven in size. The webinar was held to teach people about the importance of the redistricting process and how it could affect their communities.
"If we don't have a fair process to redraw the lines of the supervisorial districts, it may end up causing issues down the line. It's really important to know what redistricting is and get involved," said Rosemary Soto.
Currently, there are five supervisors that each represents different parts of Monterey County. However, with the new census data, district lines are likely to change.
"The areas that they represent are going to be determined by the results of this redistricting process," said Soto.
Historically, women and people of color have been disenfranchised voters. However, Soto is encouraging those groups and others to participate in the redrawing.
"We need to ensure that the process is fair and transparent, our voices are heard, and our needs are addressed and most of all our rights are protected," said Claypool.
Monterey County is still seeking individuals for an Advisory Redistricting Commission to help gather feedback on the new district boundaries. People have until July 12th to apply: https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/administrative-office/office-of-community-engagement-and-strategic-advocacy/2021-redistricting
