A big part of the reason that the California Legislature doesn't solve the state's toughest problems is lawmakers aren't accountable to voters because they come from safe districts. These gerrymandered districts essentially guarantee noncompetitive elections. But that could change if redistricting authority is taken from the legislators and given to an independent commission.

We argue in our editorial today that time is running out in this legislative session, and voters should pressure their Assembly members and state senators to put a redistricting bill on the ballot. Voters will have the final say on redistricting.

The editorial also contains contact information for legislative leaders and local legislators. Let them know you support redistricting reform.

Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Walters also writes about redistricting reform today.