census, which takes place in the zero-numbered year every decade. Redistricting happens in the year after each U.S. In November 2021, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission completed the process of redrawing the state’s election map for the second time. Arnold Schwarzenegger spearheaded a citizens’ initiative that ended the practice of lawmakers drawing their own districts-in effect selecting their voters. This was the situation in California until 2008, when Gov.

When the redistricting map is obviously drawn to favor a party or individual lawmaker, the process is called “gerrymandering.” In most states, the party controlling the legislature also controls redistricting, and the process can be used to keep that party in power, even when most voters would prefer the other guys. For example, in California’s 2002 elections, every single congressional incumbent cruised to victory, thanks to the district map that had been newly created the previous year. The process is mostly controlled by state legislatures, and the result is that districts are often drawn to protect incumbent officeholders. The redistricting process, on the other hand, is not democratic.

The difference is, elections are decided by voters. In many ways, the redistricting process is just as important as elections themselves. The process is called “redistricting,” and it involves reshaping congressional and legislative districts, a process that can determine who gets elected to state and federal office for the next decade.

Every 10 years the state of California and, for that matter, the other 49 United States as well, undergo a massive political upheaval.

California congressional districts map