The California Voting Rights Act is meant to prevent a citywide election system from weakening the voting power of minority communities.

In La Verne, voters once elected all City Council members and the mayor citywide. The City moved to five voting districts in 2021 so communities with shared interests — including minority populations — would be less likely to be divided among several districts and would have a stronger voice in choosing a representative. Residents now vote for one council member from their district, and council members select a mayor on an annual basis.

The law does not guarantee that a minority candidate will win. It is intended to give minority voters a fair opportunity to influence who represents them, according to the California Elections Code and the City of La Verne.

The City Council began the districting process in July 2021 when it unanimously adopted Resolution No. 21-47. The initial proposal called for five City Council districts and a mayoral position that would rotate among council members.

The Council also considered a four-district system with a mayor elected citywide. The City’s demographer, National Demographics Corporation, evaluated both options, but the City ultimately determined that a five-district map more closely met the goals of the state Voting Rights Act.

On Dec. 6, 2021, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1107, establishing the five-district election system beginning with the June 2022 election.

Read the City's Districting FAQ—>