City of Dana Point
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FAQ
Where can I learn more about districting and redistricting?
There are a number of online publications and guides to redistricting. You can start with this one from MALDEF and the NAACP, or this (long) one from the Brennan Center, this one from the League of Women Voters, or this FAQ from the California Independent Redistricting Commission.
What are by-district elections?
A by-district election process means voters within a designated City Council electoral district elect one City Council member who must also reside in and be a registered voter of that district.
What is the City's current City Council election process?
The City of Dana Point currently elects City Council members through an at-large election process, which means that each voter has a vote to elect each member of the City Council.
What is “racially polarized” voting?
Racially polarized voting exists when voters of different racial or ethnic groups exhibit very different candidate preferences or voting practices in an election.
I heard we are going through this process, does that mean it has been decided that we will be switching to by-district voting?
No. In order to avoid the potentially significant litigation expenses that are likely to occur if the City retains its at-large election method of election, at the City Council’s February 20, 2018 hearing, the Council adopted Resolution No. 18-02-20-04 outlining its intention to transition from at-large to by-district elections, pursuant to Elections Code section 10010(e)(3)(A). At the final hearing date, scheduled for May 15th it may be determined by the City Council that we should not switch to by-district voting. However, we are needing the public’s input on where they think the boundaries of districts should be if it is determined that we do change to by-district elections.
Many factors may be considered, but population equality is required. Other factors include:
- Communities of interest
- Compactness
- Contiguity
- Visible (natural and man-made) boundaries
- Plan for future growth
What if I have questions or want to voice my opinion throughout this process?
Please contact us if you have any questions or need help understanding the process. You can email us at districting@danapoint.org. We encourage the public to reach out to us, we need your input. Input can also be given during the public hearing portion of the City Council meeting. The schedule of public hearings for districting can be found on the "Districting Schedule" page.