Explanation of the Redistricting Process

Every ten years, local governments redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed and to provide that each district contains roughly the same number of people. This ensures that each board member represents about the same number of constituents. 

In Mariposa County, the Board of Supervisors is responsible for drawing supervisorial districts. Redistricting is done using county-level U.S. Census data, which is late this year but is anticipated to be released around September, 2021. For the County of Mariposa, the redistricting process must be completed by December 15th (which is the mandated 179 days prior to the next regular election.) Because of the lateness of the release of the necessary census data, legislation has been introduced that may change these timelines. We will keep you informed should changes occur.

WHAT DO THE EXISTING SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICTS LOOK LIKE?

You can find a map of the County’s current supervisorial districts here:

What Criteria Must be Used When Drawing District Lines?

Five districts with fairly equal populations which, to the extent that it is practicable, have district lines following the criteria below in this order of priority: 

(1) Geographically contiguous (each supervisorial district should share a common border with the next.) 

(2) Geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or local communities of interest shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division. 

(3) Geographic integrity of census designated places must be maintained in a way that minimizes division. 

(2020 census data is not yet available on the county-level, however, in 2011, census designated places in Mariposa County were Bear Valley, Bootjack, Buck Meadows, Catheys Valley, Coulterville, El Portal, Fish Camp, Greeley Hill, Hornitos, Lake Don Pedro, Mariposa, Midpines, Wawona, and Yosemite Valley.) 

(4) Easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.), and

(5) Geographically compact districts (where practicable and where it does not conflict with the preceding criteria), so that nearby populations are not bypassed in favor of more distant populations. 

Lastly, boundaries shall not consider the incumbent's address, nor will they be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against a political party.

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For Information on State Redistricting which is different from the County process and its laws, visit http://www.wedrawthelinesca.org