Everything To Know About Murrieta's Redistricting Process

MURRIETA, CA — On Friday, the city of Murrieta released details on its redistricting process, including all upcoming public workshops and hearings.

Here's everything you need to know:

Why Is Redistricting Important To Me?

In the city of Murrieta, residents live in one of five districts, with each represented by a City Council member elected by voters within the district. Each City Council member is sworn to uphold the law and do what's best for all of Murrieta, while also ensuring district constituents' needs are met.

Redistricting is the process of adjusting existing district boundaries after the release of census data. During the process, the district lines and boundaries are reviewed and, if applicable, redrawn so that each district is roughly equal in population size.

In 2017, the city established districts for the first time. Prior, City Council members were elected "at-large" instead of by district. But the city is required by law to evaluate districts every 10 years, when census data is released, to ensure the populations of each district are as equal and fair as possible. The process must be done in the open with public feedback.

On September 30 census data will be released. Murrieta residents will be asked to consider the data and determine whether district lines need to be redrawn — and if so, how?

The city is encouraging the community to get involved in the process.

"One way is by submitting a 'community of interest' request," the city explained in its Friday news release. "A community of interest is a neighborhood, community, or group of people who have common policy concerns and would benefit from being represented by a single district. Communities of interest are defined by the local community. They are not based on political affiliation or related to a candidate. The law seeks minimal division, if feasible, of communities of interest."

See the current city of Murrieta district boundaries here.

How Can I Get Involved?

The City of Murrieta is kicking off the 2021 redistricting process with a community workshop at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 25. In addition, there will be public hearings. Here's the schedule*:

—September 25 at 1:30 p.m. – Community Workshop, Murrieta Youth Center (Livestreamed on City of Murrieta Facebook)

—October 19 at 6:45 p.m. – Regular City Council Meeting, Public Hearing: Communities of Interest Testimony

—October 26 at 6:45 p.m. – Proposed Special City Council Meeting, Public Hearing: Live Map Drawing

—November 16 at 6:45 p.m. – Regular City Council Meeting, Public Hearing: Final Feedback/Ordinance Introduction

—December 7, 2021, at 6:45 p.m. – Regular City Council Meeting, Public Hearing: Final Vote

*These dates are subject to change.

The city said it will continue to share updates, such as schedule changes, upcoming meetings,
and opportunities to get involved in the 2021 redistricting process. For the most up-to-date information, visit the city's redistricting pages at www.MurrietaCA.gov/Redistricting.

The public may also request information by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at 951-461-6031 or by emailing Redistricting21@MurrietaCA.gov.

For additional information, contact City Clerk Cristal McDonald at CMMcDonald@MurrietaCA.gov.