County starts redistricting
Every 10 years, local governments use new census data to redraw supervisorial district lines to reflect changes in their populations. Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data, which, because of COVID-related delays, will be released by Sept. 30. Orange County’s redistricting process must be completed by Dec. 15.
To the extent practicable, district lines must be adopted using the following criteria, in order of priority: 1. Geographically contiguous districts (each supervisorial district should share a common border with the next); 2. The geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, 3. Geographic integrity of a city shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division; 4. Easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.); and 5. Lines shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness.
In addition, boundaries shall not be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against a political party.
Assembly Bill 849 requires cities and counties to engage communities in the redistricting process by holding public hearings and/or workshops and doing public outreach, including to non-English-speaking communities. The board shall arrange for the live translation in an applicable language of a public hearing or workshop if a request is made at least 72 hours in advance.
The Board of Supervisors will schedule workshops at which to receive public input on where district lines should be drawn. A current map of District 2, which includes Leisure World, can be found at cob.ocgov.com/sites/cob/ files/2021-06/120045-Second.jpg.
The next meeting of the board is July 27; more details can be found at cob.ocgov.com/2021redistricting-agenda.
Constituents can submit public comments or written testimony, including suggested draft maps, by emailing redistricting@ocgov.com.
To speak at a public meeting, residents must complete a Speaker Request Form, available at the meetings. Speakers may address the Board on up to three occasions, with three minutes allotted to the speaker per occasion.
To find out more about the process and the role the community plays, contact the County Executive Office at redistricting@ocgov.com or (714) 834-6000.
District 2 residents can also contact Supervisor Katrina Foley at (714) 834-3220 or katrina. foley@ocgov.com.
