Independent Redistricting: Look to California

REDISTRICTING

• Battles to Shape Maps, and Congress, Go to Courts (By MICHAEL COOPER and JENNIFER MEDINA, NY Times) The state many people are watching this year is California, where, thanks to a voter-approved initiative, the district lines were drawn by an independent commission. While lines were often drawn to protect incumbents in both parties — leading to odd districts that some people joked were contiguous only at low tide — the new lines are expected to be much more competitive, although Democrats are seen as likely to gain a couple of seats.
  Redistricting Roundup: Another week, another special session leads to a completed map (Edited by Tyler, Millhouse, BALLOT NEWS)