FAQ

FAQ2021-09-28T23:58:06+00:00
How can I get involved?2021-09-28T23:35:32+00:00

The City Council will be holding hearings to receive public input on where district lines should be drawn. Meeting dates and additional details coming soon!

What do the acronyms and categories mean on the demographic sheets?2021-09-28T23:35:25+00:00

These are standard categories included in the Census. Not all of the categories are relevant for creating district maps. Acronyms include:

NH: Non-Hispanic
VAP: Voting age population
CVAP: Citizen Voting Age Population
CVRA: California Voting Rights Act

What is redistricting?2021-09-28T23:36:20+00:00

Redistricting is the regular process of adjusting the lines of voting districts in accordance with population shifts. In California, public agencies and other organizations must redivide (or redraw) the lines of their districts every ten years once the results of the Census are released so that each district is substantially equal in population. This ensures that each council member represents about the same number of constituents.

Because history has seen public agencies redraw district lines to influence elections, favor a particular party or suppress a group’s voting power, or gerrymandering, all district lines must be reviewed to meet strict requirements for population equality and voting rights protections. With the California Voting Rights Act, more than 500 jurisdictions in California must redistrict in 2021-2022.

In the City of Livermore, the City Council is responsible for approving the drawing of the districts. Our redistricting process must be completed no later than April 17, 2022.

Why does redistricting matter to me?2021-09-28T23:35:56+00:00

Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a council member. The City Council will seek input in selecting the next district map for our council member districts. You have an opportunity to share with the City Council how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community.

You can contact the City Clerk at redistricting@cityoflivermore.net to find out more about how the process works.

What do the existing City Council districts look like?2021-09-28T23:35:51+00:00

You can find a map of the City’s current City Council districts here.

What criteria will our City Council use when drawing district lines?2021-09-28T23:35:47+00:00

To the extent practicable, in accordance with the FAIRMAPS Act (AB 849) and AB 1276, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria:

  1. Geographically contiguous districts. (Areas that meet only at the points of adjoining corners are not contiguous. Areas that are separated by water and not connected by a bridge, tunnel, or regular ferry service are not contiguous.)
  2. The geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division. (A “community of interest” is a population that shares common social or economic interests that should be included within a single district for purposes of its effective and fair representation.)
  3. Easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.).
  4. Lines shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness in a manner that nearby areas of population are not bypassed in favor of more distant populations.
  5. Boundaries shall not be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against a political party.
How will our City Council notify the public about redistricting?2021-09-28T23:35:37+00:00

The City Council will reach out to local media to publicize the redistricting process. Also, we will make a good faith effort to notify community groups of various kinds about the redistricting process. Our public hearings will be provided in applicable languages if residents submit a request in advance.

The City will notify the public about redistricting hearings, post maps online before adoption, and continue to update this website with all relevant information and resources about the redistricting process.

Do I have to submit a completed map?2021-09-28T23:35:19+00:00

No, but you can draw boundaries for just the district where you’d like your neighborhood to be or any part of the City.

Can I submit more than one map?2021-09-28T23:35:15+00:00

Yes! We suggest if you have more than three maps, you select your top 2-3 to submit, but the number is unlimited.

What happens to the drafted maps?2021-09-28T23:35:10+00:00

Once submitted, maps are considered public records. The City will post all legally-compliant submitted maps on its website.

Where can I learn more about redistricting?2021-09-28T23:35:05+00:00
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