Manteca, Calif. – The City of Manteca, like hundreds of other cities across the state, is forming City districts to elect Council members. The City is launching the district formation process with a Public Hearing scheduled via Zoom on October 5 at 7:10 p.m. The first Public Hearing will provide background information on the districting process and inform community members on how they can get involved.
Beginning in 2022, voters will vote for one City Council Member who lives in their district instead of voting for all City Council Members in current “at-large” citywide elections. Manteca’s districting process will determine representation on the City Council for Manteca community members moving forward.
The switch to district-based elections is a process that many cities in California are undergoing to meet the standards of the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) of 2001. The CVRA gave more robust legal backing to minority groups in California who have expressed that “at-large” elections have diluted their voting rights.
Manteca invites residents to participate in the district formation process to ensure district lines respect neighborhoods, history, and geographical elements. Community members are encouraged to participate in upcoming Public Hearings and Workshops:
Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at 7:10 PM – First Public Hearing
Saturday, October 9, 2021, at 10:00 AM – First Community Workshop
Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 7:10 PM – Second Public Hearing
Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 2:00 PM – Second Community Workshop
Saturday, November 6, 2021, at 10:00 AM – Third Community Workshop (Virtual Only)
Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at 7:10 PM – Third Public Hearing
Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 7:10 PM – Fourth Public Hearing
(All meetings, except the November 6 Virtual-Only Community Workshop, will take place in the Manteca City Council Chambers (1001 W Center St, Manteca, CA 95337) and via Zoom. Zoom Info for Public Hearings is as follows: Meeting ID: 826 7726 8640, Phone number: +1 669 900 6833. Zoom Info for Community Workshops is as follows: Webinar ID: 819 2041 7621, Passcode: 812083, Phone Number: +1 669 900 6833)
Instead of residents being limited to saying they support or oppose a City-prepared ordinance or resolution, they can draw a map themselves. Once mapping tools become available, residents can draw the borders of their neighborhood, a proposed Council district, or sketch an entire citywide map of five Council districts.
The first deadline for community members to submit their drawn district maps is Friday, November 12, by 6 p.m. PST. Maps submitted will be considered in the first draft maps publication presented at the Third Public Hearing on Tuesday, November 23. The second deadline for community members to submit their proposed district maps is Monday, November 29, by 6 p.m. PST. Maps submitted will be considered in the second draft maps publication presented at the Fourth Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 7.
To help share information about the districting process and collect public feedback, the City of Manteca has launched a new dedicated district formation website: DistrictingManteca.org. The new website includes background information on the move to district elections, the schedule of upcoming meetings, and frequently asked questions.
To sign up for updates and information about the districting process and future public
meetings, please visit DistrictingManteca.org/Subscribe/ or email districtingmanteca@ci.manteca.ca.us.