Redistricting panel seeks more diverse applicant pool

The commission that will redraw California’s political lines after the 2020 census is looking for a few good men — and a whole lot more good women, Latinos and Asian Americans.

A lack of diversity in a group designed to represent all of California is a growing concern as the Aug. 9 deadline for applications nears for the panel that will draw new boundaries for congressional and state legislative districts.

The state’s Citizens Redistricting Commission has received more than 7,800 applications for the 14 spots on the commission, and men vastly outnumber women, 60% to 39%. The rest of the applicants have registered as “nonbinary.”

The gender imbalance is a problem in coming up with an applicant pool “that’s reflective of California and its diversity,” said Margarita Fernández, a spokeswoman for the state audi

Candidates for the Citizens Redistricting Commission:

Must be a voter who has been registered to the same party, or with no party, since July 1, 2015. Must have voted in two of the past three general elections.

Can’t be staffer or relative of the governor or any member of Congress, the Legislature or the state Board of Equalization. They also can’t be a contractor or consultant for anyone on those elected bodies.

Can’t have contributed $2,500 or more to any state or local candidate in any calendar year. Can’t be a registered state or federal lobbyist. Can’t be a state or federal officeholder or candidate.

Can’t be an employee or paid consultant for a California political party.

Can’t be on the campaign committee of a candidate for state or federal office. Can’t be a member of a political party central committee.