District Elections FAQ'S

1.    What are district-based elections? 

With district-based elections, the City would be divided into either four districts with a mayor that is directly elected by all voters residing within the boundaries of the City or five districts with a mayor that is selected by the City Council Members. 

Districts must be relatively equal in total population using the most recent Census counts. A candidate must reside within an election district and is elected only by voters residing within that same election district. 

2.    What election system does the City currently use?

Currently, the City Council consists of five Council Members who are elected at large.  This means any eligible voter who lives in the City can run for office, and every voter may vote for all five of the City Council Member seats, regardless of where they live in the City. Once elected, the five City Council Members pick one Council Member to serve as mayor for one year, after which the City Council picks a different Council Member to serve as mayor for another one-year term. Council Members serve four-year terms of office. 

3.    Why does districting matter to me? 

Districting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for the purpose of electing a Council Member. The City Council will seek input on what residents identify as communities of interest and where the community sees boundaries for City Council Member representative districts. You have an opportunity to share with the City Council how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community either during the public hearings or by submitting comments to JMCCLENDON@cityofchowchilla.org.   

4.    What criteria will our City Council use when drawing district lines? 

5.    What are Communities of Interest?

Pursuant to California Elections Code section 21130, A “community of interest” is a population that shares common social or economic interests that should be included within a single election district for purposes of its effective and fair representation. 

Characteristics of communities of interest may include, but are not limited to, shared public policy concerns such as education, public safety, public health, environment, housing, transportation, and access to social services. 

Characteristics of communities of interest may also include, but are not limited to, cultural districts, shared socioeconomic characteristics, similar voter registration rates and participation rates, and shared histories. Communities of interest do not include relationships with political parties, incumbents, or political candidates. 

6.    How can I get involved? 

Share your specific thoughts and get involved! Submit written testimony about the process or a specific map to JMCCLENDON@cityofchowchilla.org. Click here to see the calendar of public hearings at which you can speak about the process or a specific map.  

7.    What do the acronyms and categories mean on the demographic sheets? 

NH: Non-Hispanic 

VAP: Voting Age Population 

CVAP: Citizen Voting Age Population 

CVRA: California Voting Rights Act 

FAIR MAPS Act: Fair And Inclusive Redistricting for Municipalities and Political Subdivisions 

NDC: National Demographics Corporation (the demographic consultants hired to produce the maps and provide demographic data) 

8.    Do I have to submit a completed map? 

No, you do not need to submit a fully completed map. It is helpful if you submit written commentary with your map describing why the particular neighborhood or area should be kept together in a single district. 

9.    Can I submit more than one map? 

Yes, you may submit more than one map. We suggest you submit only your top 2-3 preferred maps to assist the City Council in focusing on the map that best represents your community; however, there is no limit. 

10.    What happens to the drafted maps? 

After you submit a map, the demographic consultants will generate the population and other demographic details for the map. Maps will be posted online at least seven days in advance of public hearings. Once submitted, maps are considered public records.