Staff have reviewed the Petaluma City Charter and it is clear from the Charter that it requires seven council seats. It is Council’s direction to draw a map with six districts and a mayor to be chosen at large, which would not require an amendment to our Charter.
Yes, but only residency requirements for 30 days. Legal residence is defined as physical presence combined with an intent to remain.[1] Durational residency requirements imposed as a precondition to candidacy for public policy have been found to implicate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, specifically the fundamental rights to vote and to travel. … Continued
Yes, as explained in detail below, because the Petaluma Charter defaults to “plurality” voting pursuant to Elections Code Section 15452, to change Council member elections to ranked choice voting would require a charter amendment. RCV allows the electors to select in addition to their first choice, a second and third choice as backups. All first … Continued
Everyone! We want everyone in our Petaluma community to help us determine the best way to map out these district-based election boundaries. This means we need you to tell us what make sense when drawing a district. Does your neighborhood have shared concerns? Is there a park, school, major road, or intersection that would define … Continued
The City of Petaluma will be working with the community to draft maps that meet the requirements of the law regarding districting while also reflecting our community in ways that support communities of interest. This process requires input from you to better understand our community and where districts would make sense. There will be three … Continued
A Community of Interest is a connected population that shares common social and economic interests that should be included within a single City Council district for purposes of its effective and fair representation as a potential voting bloc in current or future elections. Such groups include (but are not limited to) groups with cultural or … Continued
Petaluma currently uses an at-large election system, which means all voters in the city cast a ballot for all six councilmembers and our Mayor. In our new district election model, voters from a specified area will vote directly for one of six Councilmembers to represent them. For example, if you live near a park … Continued
Mapping tools will be made available for members of the public to draw their own district maps and submit them for consideration. Download a City Boundary Map to start thinking about how you would draw districts in Petaluma. Initial draft maps will be posted seven days in advance of Public Hearing #3, and changes to … Continued
The City is required to follow a prescribed schedule when considering a transition to district elections under threat of a lawsuit. The following schedule is subject to change and will be updated as needed. RELATED ACTIVITIES Activity Date Received Demand Letter 8/23/2021 Adopt a Resolution of Intention, effective 10/7/2021, to transition from at-large to district-based elections … Continued
Community input is needed! Petaluma is seeking community input to determine how to best map district-based election boundaries. Now is your chance to have your voice heard. What would districts mean to you? What would you consider to be your district within Petaluma? What “communities of interest” or “neighborhoods” do you feel should remain intact? … Continued
