The San Mateo County Charter Review Committee has recommended amending the County Charter to establish an Independent Redistricting Commission for drawing Board of Supervisors district maps. If approved by the Board of Supervisors, this landmark change will go before voters in the November 2026 election.
The League of Women Voters supports fair, transparent and nonpartisan redistricting and favors independent commissions to help ensure that maps are drawn without political bias.
San Mateo County supervisor district lines determine how communities are represented in county government and who has a voice in local decisions. Those decisions include land use, transportation, public health, housing, public safety and budgets that affect residents throughout the county. An Independent Redistricting Commission would draw these maps using criteria defined by California law and without changes from the Board of Supervisors — helping reduce conflicts of interest and increase public trust.
Recent county experience underscores why this reform matters. In 2021, San Mateo County used an advisory commission to review public input and propose district maps. However, the Board of Supervisors retained final authority and ultimately adopted a different map, making only relatively minor changes to the prior boundaries. As a result, district lines have functionally remained in place for two decades despite population shifts and changing communities.
As reflected in the Charter Review Committee’s recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, the current process—where final authority rests with the Board of Supervisors—raises concerns about inherent conflicts of interest, even when advisory bodies and public input are involved. Independent redistricting commissions are widely recognized as best practice because they help ensure that district lines are drawn based on objective criteria rather than political considerations. Eight counties in California will have independent redistricting commissions for 2031 (following the 2030 Federal Census).
The League’s national position supports vesting redistricting authority in an independent redistricting commission that reflects community diversity and operates through an open, transparent process with meaningful public participation. Redistricting should ensure equal population, protect minority representation, preserve communities of interest, and explicitly reject partisan advantage and incumbent protection.
As a Charter County, San Mateo County has the authority to place this important structural reform on the ballot this fall. Establishing an IRC under the Charter would align the County with emerging best practices, strengthen public confidence in the redistricting process, and ensure that future district maps reflect the County’s evolving communities. When residents can see how decisions are made and trust that no one is drawing lines for political advantage, confidence in local government grows.
San Mateo County residents who support this reform can contact their County Supervisor and encourage the Board to place this Charter amendment on the ballot. Community members can also attend the upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting on May 5 and speak during public comment when the proposal is considered.
Tina Doede is president of the League of Women Voters of North & Central San Mateo County, and Lucia Tedesco is president of the League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization founded in 1920 to empower voters and defend democracy. It does not support or oppose any political party or candidate for elected office.
