Districting is the process by which a jurisdiction transitions from an at-large to a by-district election system. In this new system, there is one seat on the City Council for each district. Candidates for that seat must live in that district, and only voters who live in that district can vote on those candidates. Whichever candidate is elected will then serve as that district’s representative on the City Council.
All district lines must meet strict requirements for population equality and voting rights protections, as well as respect neighborhoods and local communities of interest to the extent practicable. In the City of Goleta, the City Council is responsible for approving the final district maps. Our districting process must be completed by April 17, 2022.