The California State Auditor announced that nearly 21,000 Californians applied to serve on the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission, of which more than 17,500 are tentatively eligible.

The initial application period for the 14 seats closed on Monday, August 19, at 5 p.m.

“We’ve said since the beginning that we were working to form a deep and broad pool of applicants for California’s second Citizens Redistricting Commission,” said California State Auditor Elaine M. Howle, whose office is charged with creating the new Commission. “We are thrilled to report that we met that goal with thousands of diverse applicants – race/ethnicity, geographic, gender, and economic backgrounds. We received nearly 21,000 applicants who are reflective of California’s talent and diversity.”

The application process was open to registered California voters who voted in at least two of the last three general elections and had consistent party affiliation for five years.

Howle continued, “The work of the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission safeguards the integrity of California’s elections by giving the power to the people and making sure voters have a voice in selecting their representatives. Now, the tentatively eligible applicants from the initial pool will continue through to the next round of review and fill out the supplemental application. With so many applicants, our Applicant Review Panel has a big job ahead, but we’re up for it.”

Eligible applicants must now complete the supplemental application, which is online at http://shapecaliforniasfuture.auditor.ca.gov .

The supplemental application period begins Aug. 21 and runs through Sept. 20.

The supplemental application is only available to applicants who submitted an online application during the initial application period and were found eligible.

The state auditor has provided a training video to assist all applicants in completing their supplemental application and providing all information required.

“I thank every single Californian who participated in this process and took the time to apply,” said Howle. “We highly encourage all members of the public to continue participating in this important process over the next several months by checking the Shape California’s Future website for updates and providing online public comment on these applicants so that your voice is heard.”

More information about the supplemental application and the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission selection process is available at http://shapecaliforniasfuture.auditor.ca.gov/ or by calling 833-421-7550. Follow the commission on Facebook and Twitter at @ShapeCAFuture for recent updates.