Reminder: Public hearing June 9 on how to split El Cerrito into five districts for City Council elections

Update: El Cerrito district maps narrowed to two by City Council

Reminder: June 9 the El Cerrito City Council will hold a public hearing on how to split the city into five districts for council elections.

The meeting begins at 6:15 PM in the council chambers.

The new system will not be in place for the election for two seats in November. But beginning in November 2028 one council member would be elected from each district by the voters in that district.

The image shows three possible ways El Cerrito could be divided into districts, from the June 9 council packet. These maps were prepared by a professional. Other maps were submitted by community members. Both the community and professional maps are included in the slideshow that will be presented to the council and are on the city webpage about district-based elections.

According to the staff report, the city began transitioning to district elections “in response to the March 17, 2026 letter received from Rexroad Law alleging that the City's current at-large election system violates the California Voting Rights Act ("CVRA") and threatening litigation if the City declined to voluntarily change to a district-based election.” Although the city denies its current system violates any laws, it says it would be too costly to fight a lawsuit.

According to state law, the new district map must meet certain criteria, including:

    •    Be compact and connected.

    •    Keep neighborhoods with shared local interest together.

    •    Use easily identifiable boundaries such as major streets.

    •    Does not favor or discriminate against a political party.

Staff report

slideshow that will be presented

Additional information on the city’s website

Tentative Schedule

• June 9, 2026: 3rd Public Hearing: Receive presentation and public input on draft maps and potential sequence of elections

• June 16, 2026: 4th Public Hearing: Additional public input on draft maps and sequence of elections, Council to select final map

• July 7, 2026: 5th Public Hearing: Approve final map, sequence of elections, and Ordinance to change to District-Based Elections

• July 21, 2026: Adopt Ordinance:  Adopt the Ordinance to change to District-Based Elections