Redistricting Process
Every ten years, local governments use new census data to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed since the last decennial census. Assembly Bill 849 (2019) requires cities and counties to engage communities in the redistricting process by holding hearings and/or workshops and doing public outreach.
What is Redistricting?
- Every ten years, local governments whose board is already elected using district-based elections must redraw their district boundaries so that each district is substantially equal in population. This process, called redistricting, is important to ensure each board member represents about the same number of constituents.
- In Imperial County, the Board of Supervisors, along with the assistance of an Advisory Redistricting Commission, is responsible for drawing the supervisorial districts. Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data, which is expected to be released sometime in mid-August to mid-September, 2021. For the County of Imperial, the redistricting process must be completed by December 15, 2021.
Why does redistricting matter to me?
Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for the purposes of electing a board member.
The Board of Supervisors will seek input in selecting the next district map for our supervisorial districts. You have an opportunity to share with the Board of Supervisors how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community.
What do the existing supervisorial districts look like?
You can find the County’s current supervisorial districts map in the website for the Board of Supervisors
What criteria will our Board of Supervisors use when drawing district lines?
To the extent practicable, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria:
- Geographically contiguous districts (each supervisorial district should share a common border with the next.
- The geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division.
- Geographic integrity of a city shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division.
- Easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.).
- Lines shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness.
- Boundaries shall not be drawn for the purpose of favoring or discriminating against a political party.
How will the public be notified about redistricting?
The County of Imperial will reach out to local media and utilize social media platforms to publicize the redistricting process. In addition, we will make a good faith effort to notify community groups of various kinds about the redistricting process. Public workshops will be provided with Spanish language translation. All workshops will be publically noticed and maps will be posted online before adoption on this dedicated web page.
How can I get involved?
During the redistricting process, community members will have many opportunities to participate, including:
- Serving as a member of the 2021 Advisory Redistricting Commission. The application process is currently closed. Applications were due to the Clerk of the Board’s office, with the option to submit via email, no later than 5:00 P.M. on July 30. The applications were accessible online with the option to submit the completed application via email to blancaacosta@co.imperial.ca.us or cynthiamedina@co.imperial.ca.us.
- Submit written testimony via email to blancaacosta@co.imperial.ca.us or cynthiamedina@co.imperial.ca.us, in person by delivering it at one of the aforementioned public workshops/hearings, or mail to: Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Attn: 2021 Redistricting, 940 West Main Street, Suite 209, El Centro, CA 92243.
- Attending and speaking at one of the public workshops/hearings that will be held throughout Imperial County. Below are the tentative dates, times and locations. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
- Submit maps in-person, via mail, email, or electronically (via the mapping tool available in the top menu of this website) with proposed supervisorial district boundaries.
- Advocate throughout the process for the district you want or district map(s) you prefer.
- To view live or recorded meetings or hearings:
Public Hearings
Public Workshops
Where can I find out more?
Information will be updated on this dedicated web page as it becomes available. In addition, the County of Imperial will regularly post updates on Facebook @ImperialCntyCA, Instagram @ImperialCounty and Twitter @ImperialCntyCA. You can also contact the County Executive Office at (442) 265-1001 to find out more about how the process works.