Every ten years, after the federal census, the boundaries of the districts from which we elect our representatives are redrawn in order to ensure that there is equal population in each district. This redistricting was formerly done by the Legislature; however, in 2008, voters approved Proposition 11, which created a citizens commission to do redistricting for state offices, and, in 2010, they approved Proposition 20, which added redistricting of congressional districts to the duties of the commission.

The commission is comprised of 14 members: 5 Democrats, 5 Republicans, and 4 members not affiliated with either party. The commission finished its work in August 2011, and certified the new Senate district maps by a vote of 13 to 1. 

The California Constitution allows voters to challenge the district maps through the referendum process if enough registered voters sign a petition to qualify a referendum for the ballot. Those who were unhappy with the new state Senate districts gathered signatures for a referendum, and, in November 2011, petitioned the California Supreme Court to determine which maps would be used for the 2012 primary and general elections if the referendum qualified for the ballot. The referendum did qualify, but the Court ruled that the maps certified by the commission would be used in this year’s elections, regardless of the referendum. Once a measure has qualified for the ballot, it cannot be removed, so the sponsors of the referendum, who no longer found it necessary, were unable to take it off the ballot.