March, 2021

SONOMA COUNTY REDISTRICTING COMMISSION

Under the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the California Elections Code, the Board of Supervisors must oversee the adjustment of supervisorial district boundaries within the County to reflect the new census data and keep supervisorial districts substantially equal in population.

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has established a 15- member commission that will assist the Board in redrawing supervisorial boundaries using new Census data.  

Residents of Sonoma County are encouraged to apply now to serve on the Sonoma County.

Advisory Redistricting Commission which is expected to begin meeting in May.

Linda Hopkins, 5thDistrict Supervisor and Chair of the Board of Supervisors stated:

“We are inviting individuals who have a passion for civic engagement to apply to serve on this Commission.  With your help we will create a citizen empowerment process to use the Census data to redraw the supervisorial district boundaries with a focus on equity.”

The 2020 Census data was initially due to be released on March 31 but due to COVID-19-related

delays, the Census information is not expected until September.  Formation of the Advisory

Redistricting Commission and subsequent appointment of members to the commission will allow 

staff to prepare and train the commission and ensure that the County is ready to proceed once the 

2020 Census data is released.

The Board approved the use of $130,000 for contracts to support the redistricting process, including facilitation and training services, interactive mapping technology, translation and interpretation services.  Public outreach will include public hearings, a media campaign, outreach to community groups including minority communities, live translation at meetings and creation of a website dedicated to redistricting.

Questions about the application process may be directed to 

Redistricting2021@sonoma-county.org

Sonoma County Republicans need to strongly consider applying for a seat on this commission. Rational, conservative voices need to be heard.