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
Provide your comments on your community of interest by completing the online Community of Interest Form, or download the worksheet and return it by email cityhall@sonomacity.org or drop off a hard copy to Sonoma City Hall No. 1 The Plaza, Sonoma CA 95476, or attend a public hearing and read your comments to the Council. … Continued
Please consider the following questions and criteria when considering your community of interest (for consideration only, no need to provide answers): Does your community have a shared culture, characteristics, or bond? Is your community geographic in nature? Is your community able to be mapped? Is there density within your community? Describe your community’s relationship with … Continued
