Transition to District-Based Elections

At their December 4th, 2024, Special City Council meeting, the Sonoma City Council approved a resolution to begin the process of transitioning from an "at-large" election system, in which all registered voters in the City vote on all Council Members regardless of where they reside, to a "district-based" system in which only the voters in that specific district select a council member who resides within that district.

While there is no evidence that the City of Sonoma’s election system violates the California Voter Rights Act, or any other law, the City has chosen to transition voluntarily to mitigate the potential risk of legal challenges—such as those faced by other cities in the state.

The timeline for the transition to district-based elections includes several public hearings and opportunities for community input. A professional demographer will guide the City through the process, ensuring that the district maps are drawn in a way that fairly represents Sonoma’s residents. Key dates in the timeline are tentative and include:

• December 18, 2024 (5:00 PM): Special Meeting for the first public hearing on district composition and boundaries (City Council Chambers).
• January 15, 2025: Second public hearing to gather feedback on district boundaries.
• February 11, 2025: Publication of draft district maps for public review, including the proposed sequence of elections.
• February 19, 2025: Third public hearing to review the draft maps and discuss feedback.
• March 3, 2025: Fourth public hearing for the City Council to select a preferred district map.
• March 19, 2025: City Council adoption of the ordinance to implement district-based elections.

Currently, Sonoma uses an at-large election system, meaning all registered voters in the City vote for all City Council Members, regardless of district. However, many cities, including some in Sonoma County, have faced legal pressure to transition to district-based elections, with allegations that at-large elections dilute the power of specific communities. Though Sonoma has not received such a letter or faced any CVRA violations, transitioning to district-based elections voluntarily helps the City avoid the potential for costly lawsuits.

Over the past decade, more than 88 cities in California have adopted district-based elections, often to address challenges under the CVRA.  Cities that have made this transition have cited the following reasons:

• California Voting Rights Act - The CVRA aims to prevent at-large election systems from diluting the votes of minority groups. Cities can face lawsuits if their at-large system is deemed to hinder the ability of minority communities to elect candidates of their choice. Switching to district-based elections can mitigate the risk of costly legal challenges.
• Improved Representation - District-based elections can ensure that diverse
  neighborhoods and communities within a city have direct representation on the council. This can lead to more equitable decision-making that reflects the needs and priorities of all residents.
• Cost-Effectiveness - At-large systems often lead to citywide campaigns that are
  expensive, making it difficult for candidates with fewer resources to compete. District based elections can reduce campaign costs, encouraging more grassroots participation.
• Avoiding Litigation - Many cities have switched to district-based elections after facing CVRA demand letters or lawsuits, often settling for significant sums. Transitioning proactively can save money and demonstrate a commitment to fair representation.