The state Auditor has extended the deadline for supplemental applications for the 2020 Citizens Redistricting Commission — the body that is California’s answer to political gerrymandering in other states.

As of Saturday, there were 17,435 Californians tentatively eligible to serve on the commission — including 1,568 from San Diego County — but the number needs to be winnowed down to 14 through a supplemental application process.

“It is important to give all applicants additional time to ask questions, get answers, secure letters of recommendation, and complete the application. That is why today I am extending the supplemental application deadline. Applications will now be accepted through Sunday, Oct. 13,” said state Auditor Elaine M. Howle in an announcement on Thursday.

“We know there are many supplemental applications that have been started but not completed and realize that the process for submitting a supplemental application is more rigorous than the initial application,” she added.

Every 10 years, after the federal census, states must redraw the lines for Congressional and state districts. Beginning in 2010, because of a ballot measure, this duty was shifted from the state Legislature to an independent citizens commission composed of five Democrats, five Republicans, and four who are members of neither major party. The process is under the supervision of the state auditor.

Supplemental applications can be submitted online at ShapeCaliforniasFuture.auditor.ca.gov.

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