Event, Notice|

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. 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

Draw a Map:

The City of Soledad invites residents to participate in the creation of the City’s new council districts. The public mapping tools below can be used to draw and submit proposed district boundaries.

Residents have the option of drawing maps with 4 or 5 districts. The City Council will adopt either a 4-district map OR a 5-district map.

Maps submitted by the public will be presented to the City Council and posted online. If you would like credit for the map, please include your full name. 

Mapping Tools:

  • Paper Map Kit – Quick and easy!

The PDF maps below can be printed and used to create hand-drawn maps. Available in English and Spanish.

Alternatively, we welcome the submission of any form of hand-drawn map that identifies street names.

  • Online Mapping ToolPowerful and data-rich!

DRA 2020 is a web app to create, view, analyze, and share district maps. NDC has created map templates for the public to use to draw proposed district boundaries.

How to Get Started:

    1. On the main website, register to create a user account.
    2. Once you have verified your account, you can log in and access the Soledad 4-District Template or the Soledad 5-District Template.
    3. Click the paintbrush icon to “Make an editable copy of this map.”
    4. Once you have drawn your map, please email a link to your map to communityengagement@cityofsoledad.com (otherwise the City will not know you have drawn it and will be unable to include it in their deliberations).

For more detailed instructions, view the video tutorial or download the Quick Start Guide below.

 

How to Submit Your Map

You can submit your map electronically, by mail, or in-person:

Email:  communityengagement@cityofsoledad.com

Mail/In-Person: Soledad City Hall, Attn: Community Engagement, 248 Main Street, Soledad, CA 93960

Proposed Boundary Map Options for
Discussion on February 15, 2023

These maps were already discussed at the Feb 15 meeting, but will remain up for archive purposes. 

TAN

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GREEN

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YELLOW

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MANGO – 5 DISTRICT

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APPLE – 5 DISTRICT

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