Eight Californians have been chosen to draw the state’s new political map.
Wednesday State Auditor Elaine Howle picked three Democrats, three Republicans and two from neither party using a bingo ball machine.
The Auditor’s office started with more than 30-thousand applicants. Howle said the citizen-based process is unlike any other states.’
“Many of the other commissions in other states to my knowledge may be citizens but they’re appointed by legislature leaders or by the Governor but in California we are making history with a truly independent citizens’ group,” Howle said.
The final group will include five democrats, five republicans and four of neither party. The first eight will choose the remaining members.
Voters have given them the job of drawing the legislative, congressional and board of equalization districts for California.
The initial group represents both the northern and southern parts of the state and several different ethnic groups.
