We are delighted to share an important update regarding the San Mateo County (SMC) Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC).

The League of Women Voters has long supported independent redistricting commissions as a cornerstone of fair and transparent governance. In 2021, we actively participated in selecting an advisory committee for this purpose. Unfortunately, we were deeply disappointed when the Board of Supervisors (BOS) rejected the committee's maps.

We have a significant development: the San Mateo Charter Review Committee is evaluating a subcommittee recommendation to change how Board of Supervisors district lines are drawn—specifically, by establishing an Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC) to oversee the process. Many thanks to Kathleen Wheeler of the League of North & Central San Mateo County (LWVNCSMC) for chairing the subcommittee and working tirelessly to advance the IRC! 

On April 14, the Charter Review Committee will review the subcommittee's IRC recommendation and decide whether to advance it to the Board of Supervisors.

If the Charter Review Committee votes to advance the recommendation, it will be taken up by the full Board of Supervisors at their meeting on this date.

LWVSSMC and LWVNCSNC have submitted a letter of support to the review committee, and several of our partner organizations have endorsed our letter. 

Stay tuned for more updates and how you can help!