San Rafael Council To Discuss Proposed District Election Maps

SAN RAFAEL, CA – The San Rafael City Council is holding a public meeting Monday evening on electing its members from districts instead of the current at-large system.

The hearing will include maps of how the four districts in the city might be drawn.

The at-large method in San Rafael and other jurisdictions in the state has been challenged by Malibu attorney Kevin Shenkman, who informed the city in November that its at-large system dilutes the ability of Latinos to
elect candidates of their choice or otherwise influences the outcome of the election in violation of the California Voting Rights Act.

The City Council adopted a resolution on Jan. 16 to switch to district elections for the city's four council seats starting in November 2020. The city has until April 16 to hold five public hearings and adopt an ordinance on the issue.

Two hearings were held in February and tonight's third meeting will be about the six alternative draft district maps that have been prepared. Any other alternative district maps must be prepared by March 12, and another meeting is scheduled for March 19.

The hearing is set for 7 p.m. at San Rafael City Hall, located at 1400 Fifth Ave.

By Bay City News Service / Image via Shutterstock