SLO County and Redistricting
Background: The purpose of redistricting is to re-balance population distribution in regards to voting districts in the County to accurately reflect the results of the census that is conducted every 10 years.
In the fall of 2021, the SLO County Board of Supervisors conducted public hearings on redistricting— the redrawing of county lines for elected county positions. The League closely studied the issue and based on our mission to protect voter representation and rights, we opposed the adoption of a map that would make unnecessary and drastic changes to district lines and prevent a large portion of voters from voting in a county supervisor election for up to 2 years. In late 2021, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to adopt a map that made sweeping changes to district lines, disenfranchised voters and ignored long-standing communities of interest.
In January 2022, SLO County Citizens for Good Government (SLOCCGG) filed a lawsuit against the County of SLO alleging that Map 74786 (the Patten map) was adopted in violation of the Fair Maps Act. After a lengthy search for legal counsel, the League secured the pro bono services of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips, LLP. In May, the League filed a motion to be named an intervenor in the action, and on June 17, 2022, Superior Court Judge Rita Federman ruled that the League could join the lawsuit as an intervening party. This meant that the League could actively participate in the lawsuit. See League joins redistricting lawsuit press release here.
Over the months that followed, the League worked in coordination with SLOCCGG to overturn the Patten map. The League’s 103-year history of supporting fair representation and voting rights strengthened the case and working with the US League we brought forward arguments from redistricting cases litigated elsewhere in the nation that provided additional benefit.
Settlement: In January 2023, the new Board of Supervisors directed county counsel to enter into settlement discussions with the parties. On March 24, 2023, all parties involved in the lawsuit, including the League, agreed to a settlement that sets aside the Patten map and requires the Board to adopt a new map that complies with the requirements of the Fair Maps Act and the California Constitution by no later than May 15, 2023. To see a detailed explanation of the settlement click here.
New Map:
- At its April 18, 2023 meeting, the Board of Supervisors considered three maps: the previously proposed maps A, B and the SLO Chamber of Commerce map. The League submitted public comment in support of all three maps. See League Comments to BOS here. The Board voted to adopt Map A, on a 3-2 vote. Map A maintains boundaries similar to the 2011 supervisorial district map, with slight differences to accomodate for population changes as shown in the 2020 census.
- Map A will be used in the 2024 election cycle for Districts 1, 3 and 5. The Patten Map will continue to apply to Districts 2 and 4 until the 2026 election, at which time Map A will be used.
Primary Supervisor Designation: The League also submitted public comment to the Board of Supervisors on January 24, 2023 in support of the Board's efforts to designate primary supervisors to represent county residents who currently have no one to represent them or have two supervisors. See League Comments to BOS on Primary Supervisor Designation 1/24/2023. The Board assigned Supervisor Jimmy Paulding to represent Oceano, and Supervisor Bruce Gibson to represent Los Osos and Morro Bay.
We are thankful for and inspired by the hundreds of League and community members who have closely followed this important issue and supported the League in our mission to protect voting rights and defend democracy.
Click here to watch our 6/17/24 webinar on the Future of Redistricting for SLO County
For updates on the Independent Redistricting Commission visit our
Independent Redistricting Commission page.