Fresno County leaders and residents have clashed over district maps. Final vote coming
The Fresno County Board of Supervisors are on pace to adopt a new map for redistricting on Tuesday, a day before the deadline to make the decision.
The supervisors on Nov. 16 voted to move forward with a map that detractors argue is too close to the current map, which they say has been largely unchanged for three decades.
The supervisors are set to vote on the map during the regular meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Fresno Hall of Records, 2281 Tulare St., Room 301.
Detractors were calling for an overhaul that would merge the rural westside into one district, but the majority of the supervisors said they wanted to conserve traditional neighborhoods.
Two maps had drawn most of the focus until four of the five supervisors settled on a third map — which was called County Map D. Only Supervisor Sal Quintero voted “no.”
Residents have voiced concerns the process to adopt maps in Fresno County was too partisan, leading some to advocate for an independent commission.
Four of California’s 58 counties use independent redistricting commissions: Los Angeles County, San Diego County, Santa Barbara County and San Francisco County — some of the state’s largest counties — according to Common Cause, a nonprofit which advocates for governing changes like independent commissions.
The commission that draws statewide maps is also independent.
Redistricting
Every 10 years, following the latest U.S. Census, the redistricting process draws up maps for voting districts across the state. The new maps determine where an elected official’s boundaries land, who they represent and who votes for the seat in question.
The overwhelmingly conservative board has been accused of trying to hold onto power, as registered Democrats are now counted almost eight points higher than Republicans in Fresno County, 39.7% to 32%, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. That’s a change from a nearly dead even split a decade ago.
The county’s process has been contentious with accusations of partisan map-makers and issues surrounding race from both detractors and supporters of the supervisors.
The board is required to take public comment before voting on Tuesday. Previous public hearings have drawn hours of public comments.
