Today’s the first day (12/15) to apply for redistricting panel

People can start submitting applications today for the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, the voter-approved panel that will draw legislative and Board of Equalization lines in 2011.

The application is available here. About 200 people had applied as of a little while ago.

The 14-member commission is the product of last November’s Prop. 11. The California State Auditor’s Office is overseeing the application process, with the help of a public relations firm, which helped come up with the slogan, “Real Power for Real People.”

Still, there have been concerns that the panel will draw few applicants. There are strict rules designed to prevent conflict of interest and the nine months of work could make it hard for some people to hold down their regular jobs. Plus, there’s the subject matter itself, which might scare off some people.

But California Auditor Elaine Howle has said she thinks the panel will draw hundreds of qualified applicants. Her office will provide a running tally of how many people apply, and from where, between now and Feb. 12, when the application period closes.

—Jim Miller
jmiller@PE.com