REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Introduction of an Ordinance Establishing District Boundaries and Sequencing related to Implementing By-District Elections in Santa Clara; Information on Voter Education for Measure A; and, Consideration by the City Council of adopting a resolution to endorse Measure A
Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On March 6, 2018, the Council took action to call a Special Election for the purpose of placing a ballot measure on the June 5, 2018 Special Election, which would change the way City Council members are elected, from by-seat at large elections to by-district elections and to change the method of voting. In by-district election systems, candidates run for City Council in the district they live in, and are elected only by the voters residing in that district. This change to district elections was recommended by the Charter Review Committee in December 2017, and approved by City Council.
If the ballot measure (Measure A) is passed by voters, Council Members would be elected from two districts with three Council Members representing each district, and when available by the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters, would be elected using the single transferable vote form of ranked choice voting. More detail on a Voter Education Plan is provided in this report. Also included in this report is a resolution for Council consideration to endorse Measure A.
Council delegated authority to the City Manager the appointment of an Ad Hoc Advisory Districting Committee (Committee) to hold hearings and receive public input related to the district boundaries and sequencing of elections, and to return to City Council with recommendations for each. The Committee received detailed demographic information and analysis from a professional demographer, held four public hearings, considered three maps developed by the demographer, received and considered five alternate district boundary plans from members of the public, and, in addition to the input received during ...
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