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Calif. Political District Maps Being Revealed Friday

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Californians will get their first look at political maps being drafted by an independent citizen's panel, a process that is expected to influence the kind of politicians sent to Sacramento and Washington.

The 14-member California Citizens Redistricting Commission was established by voters in 2008 under Proposition 11. Supporters hope it will encourage more moderate politicians and lessen political gridlock.

The commission will release the first draft of its maps Friday, with final versions due in August.

The process is being watched closely because California has one of the few citizen-led panels in the nation.

The National Conference of State Legislatures says most states have their political boundaries drawn by the Legislature or commissions appointed by the parties or governors. Arizona's model comes closest, with five commissioners selected at random.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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