District Elections Update

DISTRICT ELECTIONS

Background

On February 1, 2022, the City received a letter challenging the City’s current election system and asserting that the City’s at-large election system violates the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA). The City of Soledad is not unique in this situation. Agencies throughout the State have received similar demand letters prompting a shift from at-large to district-based elections. While it is unclear if the City’s current system runs afoul of existing law, the cost of litigation to defend the at-large system, coupled with the track record of other public agencies that have fought similar challenges, poses a significant financial and legal risk to the City. In light of the letter and to protect the City from financial and legal risks, Soledad has initiated action to transition its election process to district-based elections.

District Elections

The City of Soledad, like hundreds of cities and school districts across the state, is making a change in how voters elect its City Councilmembers. Beginning in 2024, voters will vote for one City Council Member who lives in their district. This will replace the current system of at-large citywide elections in which voters have the ability to vote for all City Council Members. We need your help to make this change and draw City Council districts! One of our primary goals when drawing City Council districts is to draw lines that respect neighborhoods and communities of interest. So we want to know: What do you consider the boundaries of your neighborhood? Which areas should be in just one district for fair representation?

How to participate?

Share your specific thoughts, draw a map, or attend an upcoming meeting or workshop to get involved!

• • • Submit written testimony about your community, the districting process, or a specific map.
    • Attend workshops and public hearings at which you can speak about the process or a specific map. The next public hearing regarding district maps is scheduled for February 15, 2023 at City Hall at 6:00. Future meetings will be posted on this page. Agendas and meeting times can be found here: https://www.cityofsoledad.com/public-meetings
    • An interactive map can be found here: MAP

At the hearings and workshops, we encourage members of the public to share one or more of the following items:

• • • Define your neighborhood or community of interest
    • Explain why you believe districting is relevant to your community
    • Get the tools you need to draw a map of one district or of all four districts
    • Share your opinions of draft maps
    • Talk to your neighbors and local organizations
    • Ask questions or provide general comments about the districting process