2021-2022 Redistricting

WHAT IS REDISTRICTING?

State law requires that City Council districts be redrawn every ten years, following each decennial Census, so that each district is substantially equal in population. The process of redistricting is important in ensuring that each City Council member represents approximately the same number of constituents. On April 12, 2016, the City Council adopted Ordinance 1916, transitioning the City’s method of election from an “at-large” system to a “district-based” system. In 2016, the City held elections for Districts 1, 3, and 4, in which only residents residing within a particular district could vote for their City Council representative. In 2018, the City held elections for Districts 2 and 5 which completed the transition to a by-district electoral system. Each city with district-based elections is required to update (“redistrict”) the district boundaries every ten years, following the receipt of updated population data from the federal decennial Census. To remain in compliance with State law, the City Council must adopt new district boundaries by no later than April 17, 2022.

WHY DOES REDISTRICTING MATTER TO ME?

Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a City Council Member. The City Council will seek input in selecting the next district map for our City Council. Members of the public will have an opportunity to share with the city Council opinions and ideas on how district boundaries should be drawn to best represent the community and the communities of interest in the City of Hemet.

To find out more information, please contact the City Clerk at 951-765-2307 or jmaier@hemetca.gov.

WHAT DO THE EXISTING CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS LOOK LIKE?

The City of Hemet’s current Council Districts Map: Click Here

WHICH COUNCIL DISTRICT AM I LOCATED IN?

To find out which district you are located in: Click Here

WHAT CRITERIA WILL THE CITY COUNCIL USE WHEN DRAWING DISTRICT LINES?

To extent practicable, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria: (1) geographically contiguous districts, (2) the geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, (3) the geographic integrity of a City shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, (4) easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.), and (5) lines shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness. In addition, boundaries shall not be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against a political party.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN THE REDISTRICTING PROCESS?

The City Council will be holding hearings to receive public input on where district lines should be drawn. Locations, dates, and times will be announced after the Regular City Council Meeting on February 8, 2022, located at the City Council Chambers at 450 E. Latham Ave., Hemet, CA 92543.

Members of the public who are looking to create and submit their own redistricting map, please visit the City of Hemet Online Redistricting Tool. For a guide on how to use the online tool, click here. 

To find out more information, please contact the City Clerk at 951-765-2307 or jmaier@hemetca.gov.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION