Archives: FAQs

No. The City is required to review and adjust the district lines following each census. We will next review the district maps in 2031 and make changes based on the data received in the census.

If only one candidate runs, that individual will be considered elected to the City Council. If no candidates run for a seat in a district, the situation will be handled in the same way as a vacancy. This will be addressed according to the California Elections Code.

No. A candidate must live within the district they wish to represent.

State law does not specify the criteria for choosing which districts go first. If there is a district or community that is typically underrepresented, it could be prioritized. Otherwise, the decision will be made by the City Council.

No. Three council members will be elected in 2026, and the remaining two will be elected in the next cycle two years later.

A community of interest is a “contiguous population that shares common social and economic interests that should be included within a single district for purposes of its effective and fair representation.” They are the overlapping sets of neighborhoods, networks, and groups that share interests, views, cultures, histories, languages, and values and whose boundaries can be … Continued

Many factors may be considered, but population equality is the most important. The California FAIR MAPS Act requires municipalities to use a ranked list of criteria to help ensure a transparent and fair process: Relatively equal population: a total deviation of less than 10% Contiguous: districts should be whole and not jumping over each other … Continued

Districting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a City Council member. The City Council is seeking input on the district voting map for the City of Sonoma. Residents will have opportunities to share with the City Council how they think district boundaries should be drawn to best … Continued

Districting is the establishment of boundaries for election districts. It determines who can run and who can vote in each district. Candidates and voters must live within their respective election districts. This does not impact city services to the public. The only change the districting process creates is how City Council Members are elected. Districting only happens once. After … Continued