CITY OF CAPITOLA MOVES TOWARD DISTRICT ELECTIONS

Capitola has begun the process of shifting from at-large City Council elections to a district-based voting system after receiving a legal threat alleging violations of the California Voting Rights Act.

The Capitola City Council on April 30 adopted a resolution declaring its intent to transition to district elections, triggering a 90-day “safe harbor” period under state law designed to protect cities from costly litigation while they complete the process.

At a May 14 informational meeting, city officials and consultants outlined the timeline for the transition, launched a public mapping tool and invited residents to begin shaping how future voting districts should be drawn.

The move comes after the city received a March 19 letter from Shenkman and Hughes representing the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project alleging that Capitola’s current at-large election system dilutes the ability of Latinos to elect candidates of their choice. A violation of the California Voting Rights Act, or CVRA. Under the current system, all Capitola voters elect every member of the five-seat City Council citywide.



https://tpgonlinedaily.com/city-of-capitola-moves-toward-district-elections/