District Election Based

Background

 On August 26, 2023, the City received a letter from a letter from attorney Jason Dominguez of Druven PC demanding that the City convert its at-large election system to a district-based electoral system. The letter Mr. Dominguez sent was on behalf of a Fillmore resident, who is identified as “a member of a protected class and registered voter” in the City. The letter alleges the City’s at-large election system violates the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA). Mr. Dominguez and his client demand the City begin the process of changing its system of at-large elections to district-based elections and threaten legal action if the City does not do so. 

Under a district-based system of elections, the City would be divided into geographic districts, and City Council candidates may only run for the seat representing the district in which they reside, and voters may only vote for the candidates from their district.

The City of Fillmore is not unique to this situation. Agencies throughout the State have received similar demand letters prompting a shift from at-large to district-based elections. While it is unclear if the City’s current system runs afoul of existing law, the cost of litigation to defend the at-large system, coupled with the track record of other public agencies that have fought similar challenges, poses a significant financial and legal risk to the City. 

In light of the letter and to protect the City from financial and legal risks, Fillmore has taken steps to consider transitioning its election process to district-based elections.  

District Election 

The City of Fillmore, hundreds of cities and school districts across the state, is making a change in how voters elect its City Councilmembers. Beginning in 2024, voters will vote for one City Council Member who lives in their district. This will replace the current system of at-large citywide elections in which voters have the ability to vote for all City Council Members.

We need your help to make this change and draw City Council districts!

How to Participate? 

We urge the public to participate at one of the five public hearings. Come and share your thoughts with City Council members. 

District Mapping Tool can be accessed by clicking here

Online map viewer can be access by clicking here

At the public hearings, we encourage members of the public to share one or more of the following items:
  • Define your neighborhood or community of interest
  • Explain why you believe districting is relevant to your community 
  • Share your opinions of the draft maps
  • Talk to your neighbors and local organizations
  • Ask questions or provide general comments about the districting process

Related Documents to the District-Election Based Process 

  1. SR- 2023 District Election Resolution (Intent to Switch to Voting Districts).pdf
  2. 3964 - DECLARING INTENTION TO TRANSITION FROM AT-LARGE TO DISTRICT-BASED ELECTIONS.pdf
  3. SR - (CVRA) FIRST PUBLIC HEARING
  4. NDC Slides Fillmore 10-24-2023
  5. SR - (CVRA) SECOND PUBLIC HEARING (PDF)
  6. NDC Slides Fillmore 10-26-2023 (PPT)
  7. THIRD PUBLIC HEARING CVRA-MAPS (PDF)
  8. FOURTH PUBLIC HEARING CVRA- MAPS (PDF)
  9. Yellow Map (PDF)
  10. Orange Map (PDF)
  11. Green Map (PDF)
  12. Teal Map
  13. Purple Map
  14. Coral Map
  15. Public Map 101
  16. Public Map 102
Date Event  Comment
August 26, 2023 City Received Demand Letter City has 45 Days to Adopt Resolution of Intent to change to district elections. 45 days from
this date is October 10, 2023.
October 10, 2023 Adopt Resolution of Intent effective October 10, 2023 CVRA lawsuit cannot be filed for
90 days. 90 days from the
effective date is January 8, 2024.
October 11, 2023 - October 23, 2023 Public Outreach Regarding Process  Social Media Posts and Website Creation.
October 24, 2023 First Public Hearing  Hearing regarding composition of
maps and public input, but no
draft maps are drawn.
October 26, 2023 Special Meeting- Second Public Hearing  Hearing regarding composition of
maps and public input, but no
draft maps are drawn.
November 7, 2023 Post Draft Map(s) and Potential
Sequence of Elections
 Draft maps and proposed
sequence of elections must be
posted publicly at least seven days prior to the public hearing.
November 14, 2023 Third Public Hearing re: Draft Maps  City Council considers the draft
maps, with input from the public.
November 21, 2023 Post New or Modified Draft Map(s) if any and Potential Sequence of Elections Draft map(s) and proposed
sequence of elections must be posted publicly at least seven days prior to the public hearing.
November 28, 2023 Special Meeting - Fourth Public Hearing: Second Reading of Ordinance  City Council considers the draft maps, with input from the public; City Council selects a map and
introduces the ordinance.
December 12, 2023 Fifth Public Hearing: Second
Reading of Ordinance
 Ordinance is adopted. 
January 8, 2024 Day 90 Plaintiff(s) could file their CVRA lawsuit if ordinance is not adopted.
November 5, 2024 First District Election  Voters would vote for the first district at this election.