Transitioning to District-Based Elections - 2017

Districts 285X260

Consideration of Transitioning to City Council Districts, in Light of an Allegation that Current At-Large Method of Election Violates the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA), was presented to City Council with their options on October 9, 2017.  The recommendation was to adopt a resolution of intent to proceed with adopting District Elections pursuant to California Elections Code Section 10010(e)(2). 

This page was created to assist the residents in keeping abreast of what is happening, how to participate and understanding this process.  It now is historical background on the process. 


Letter from Attorney Robert Rubin
Resolution 2017-043 - Intent to Transition to District Elections- Adopted October 16, 2017
Flyer - Public Hearings and Community Meeting Dates for the transition process
Resolution 2017-045 - Adopting Line Drawing Criteria for Districts- Adopted October 23, 2017

Ordinance 2018-001 Adopted January 8, 2018 - District-Based Election

On December 18, 2017, City Council adopted Map 11 Revised as the City of Ventura District-Based Election Map and set the sequencing for the 2018 Election as Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6 and the 2020 Election as Districts 2, 3, and 7.  The Ordinance Implementing District Based Elections was introduced and scheduled for its second reading on January 8, 2018.

Thank you to all of residents that have participated throughout this process.  View the selected map (Map 11 Revised) as a PDF.

On December 4, 2017, City Council  selected four "focus" Maps - Map 11 with a revision, Map 16, Map 22 and Map 23. These four maps were discussed at the Public Hearing held on December 18, 2017 (December 11, 2017 continued Public Hearing).  All these maps are posted online on the Draft Districts Maps page.

Draw and submit a District Map.  Deadline to submit a map was November 17, 2017 for the December 4, 2017 Public Hearing.  Thank you to all of the residents that participated with submitting a map. Once submitted, maps are considered public records. The City has posted all submitted maps online at Draft Districts Maps


The most important voice in this process is yours!

Download the meeting schedule to read about the topics of discussion for each Public Hearing.

Draw and submit a District MapDeadline to submit a map was November 17, 2017 for the December 4th Public Hearing. The City has posted all submitted maps online at Draft Districts Maps.

Administrative Reports Meeting Date
Consideration of Transitioning to City Council Districts in Light of Allegation that
​Current At-Large Method of Election Violates the California Voting Rights Act
October 9, 2017
Consideration of Resolution Declaring City Council's Intent to Transition to City Council Districts October 16, 2017
Public Hearing #1 Regarding the Composition of the City's Voting Districts Pursuant to Elections Code Section 10010(a)(1) October 23, 2017
PowerPoint from National Demographics Corporation - Public Hearing #1 October 23, 2017
PowerPoint from National Demographics Corporation - Community Meeting - October 26, 2017 October 26, 2017
Public Hearing #2 Regarding the Composition of the City's Voting Districts Pursuant to Elections Code Section 10010(a)(1) November 6, 2017
PowerPoint from City Attorney - Public Input Received To Date - Public Hearing #2 November 6, 2017
PowerPoint from National Demographics Corporation - Public Hearing #2 November 6, 2017
Public Hearing #3 Regarding the Proposed Maps for the City's Voting Districts Pursuant to Elections Code Section 10010(a)(2)

Includes PowerPoint from National Demographics Corporation
*Very Large Document so it may take time to download
December 4, 2017
Public Hearing #4 Regarding Adopting Maps and Sequencing of the City's Voting Districts pursuant to Elections Code Section 10010 by Adopting an Implementing Ordinance – Request to Continue Public Hearing to December 18, 2017, at 6:00 pm December 11, 2017
Public Hearing #4 Regarding Adopting Maps and Sequencing of the City's Voting Districts pursuant to Elections Code Section 10010 by Adopting an Implementing Ordinance December 18, 2017
Agenda Supplemental Packet - December 18, 2018 @ 1:00 p.m. (Includes NDC PowerPoint December 18, 2017

District Discussion Timeline

Under the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) – Safe Harbor provision – the City of Ventura must enact a City Ordinance establishing boundaries for district elections and a transition plan within 90 days of voting on a resolution of intent to make the switch. The following tentative timeline has been established to meet this deadline. To be notified of City Council Agendas, please sign up using the "Notify Me" feature on the website.

Date Topic/Purpose Location
October 16, 2017 Adopt Resolution of Intent to switch to District Based Elections City Council Chambers
October 23, 2017 Public Hearing #1 - Composition of districts maps City Council Chambers
October 26, 2017 Public Community Meeting - Composition of districts maps Poinsettia Pavilion - 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura
November 6, 2017 Public Hearing #2 - Composition of districts maps City Council Chambers
December 4, 2017 Public Hearing #3 - Discuss maps and sequence of elections City Council Chambers
December 11, 2017 Public Hearing #4 - Adoption of Map; Ordinance Introduced City Council Chambers
January 8, 2018 Adoption of Ordinance City Council Chambers