Show All Answers

1. What is the City’s current election system?

On March 7, 2018, the Lodi City Council adopted Ordinance 1949 establishing and implementing by-district elections. City Council Members are elected on a by-district basis from five single-member Council districts by voters residing in the district in which the Council Member resides. Council Members hold four-year terms. Elections for members of the Council are held in November of even-numbered years. There is no limit to how many terms a person may serve as a Lodi City Council Member.

2. What is a by-district election?

In a by-district election system, the City is divided into districts. Each council member is elected by the registered voters of the particular district in which the council member resides.

3. Why did the voting process change from at-large to by-district?

Over the last several years, cities, school districts, and community college districts throughout the State have been changing from at-large to by-district elections to comply with the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 (CVRA) and/or to avoid litigation. The CVRA expands the federal Voting Rights Act (VRA) of 1965 by eliminating key requirements including geographical compactness of a minority group and the group’s ability to form a majority in a district.

By eliminating these important elements in the federal law, State law made it easier for plaintiffs to sue and prevail. Not a single jurisdiction has prevailed in litigation under the CVRA; several jurisdictions have paid millions in out-of-court settlements and all challenged jurisdictions have transitioned from at-large elections. 

On October 31, 2017, the City of Lodi received a letter of complaint from the Mexican-American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) alleging that the City of Lodi is in violation of the CVRA and must convert to a by-district election. Based on this threat of litigation, the City Council transitioned from at-large to by-district elections to mitigate costs associated with potential legal challenges under the CVRA.

4. What was the process for creating voting districts?

The City conducted a number of meetings and public hearings to gather community input from residents. Public participation is always strongly encouraged for such a transition. Draft maps were drawn by a demographer based on community input.

At the end of the process, after all public input was received and considered, the City Council selected a final map (PDF) and adopted an ordinance (PDF) establishing a by-district election system.

5. What criteria are used in creating districts?

In accordance with applicable law, districts must: 

1. Be nearly equal in population
2. Be drawn in a manner that complies with the federal Voting Rights Act
3. Consist of contiguous territory in a compact form
4. Respect communities of interest
5. Have borders that follow geographical and topographical features

A community of interest is a distinctive area that has a definable group of people, unique geography or some other distinguishable feature or characteristic. A professional demographer will assist in drawing and meeting the requirements of the criteria.

6. When did the new districts take effect?

The new process is staggered consistent with the City’s existing electoral process. The first election held using the newly-formed districts occurred in November 2018 and three seats were voted upon. The second election will occur in November 2020 and two seats will be voted upon. 

With the transition complete, all subsequent elections will be held by-district.

7. How does creating voting districts affect me?

Beginning in 2018, Lodi residents have the opportunity to vote for candidates who run in the district in which they live. Once elected, these council members will provide direct geographic and demographic representation to their district. All five Council Members will continue to vote on all matters that come before the City Council.

8. Where can I learn more about districting and redistricting?

There are a number of online publications and guides to redistricting, including:

• Frequently Asked Questions from the California Independent Redistricting Commission
• League of Women Voters

9. How do I get additional information about the process?

A number of meetings and public hearings were held prior to the adoption of the district-based election system. For specific information about the districting process, please contact:

• City Attorney's Office
  Janice D. Magdich
  Phone: 209-333-6701
  Email Janice D. Magdich
• City Clerk's Office
  Phone: 209-333-6702
  Email City Clerk

10. Where can I find information about maps and districting in Lodi specifically?

Visit Draw Lodi to view draft maps or learn additional information and frequently asked questions. You can also access the Lodi online districting site. You will be required to create a user account and password.