DSRSD Changing To Area-Based Election System

From DSRSD: The Dublin San Ramon Services District is transitioning from an at-large election system to an area-based election system, as part of the California Voting Rights Act.At its Jan. 15 meeting, the DSRSD Board of Directors adopted a resolution of intent to transition to an area-based election system, also known as division-based elections. Currently, all five members of the DSRSD Board of Directors are elected by constituents from the District’s entire service area. Under area-based elections, DSRSD will be divided into five separate election areas, and voters residing in each individual area will choose one representative from that area to serve on the Board.

Why DSRSD is Transitioning

The California Voting Rights Act was designed to encourage more citizens to run for office by making election participation more accessible. With area-based elections, candidates will be elected by those in their own voting area, which may also reduce their costs by decreasing the size of an area in which a candidate campaigns.

How to Participate

The District will hold public hearings to give the community an opportunity to participate in the process of determining the five election areas. At the first two meetings, the Board will hear from members of the public about where they think election area boundaries should be drawn. Public comment is welcome on such things as whether to take into account boundaries for cities or other governmental entities within the district, geographic features such as roads or hills, and communities of interest, such as neighborhoods, common assets like schools and shopping areas, housing, culture and language, and employment.

The places and times for the first two meetings are as follows:•

6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 Alcosta Senior & Community Center, Garden View Room9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19 The Wave, Community Room4201 Central Parkway, DublinFollow-up meetings are scheduled for the public to give input on draft election area maps and proposed sequence of elections:

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 19Dougherty Station Community Center, Front Row Theater17011 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 2Shannon Community Center, Ambrose Hall11600 Shannon Ave., DublinSupplemental documents (Google map of DSRSD geographic units, DSRSD baseline maps, FAQ and DSRSD Community of Interest Submission Packet, and DSRSD demographics) are available on the District website at www.dsrsd.com/about-us/area-based-elections. Questions may be directed to contact@dsrsd.com or Lea Blevins at 925-875-2294.

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