Novato Sanitary District Begins Transition to By-District (Zone) Elections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2019
Novato Sanitary District (District) has initiated a transition to by-district (also known as by-zone) elections.
The District currently holds elections to its Board of Directors (Board) in November of even-numbered years. Elections are consolidated with the Statewide General Election. Board Members are currently elected at-large, to a four-year term. Terms are staggered, with two terms expiring in one even-numbered year, and three terms expiring the following even-numbered year. Each Director is elected by all eligible voters within the District boundaries.
Recently, the District became aware of a number of California public agencies that are transitioning to a by-district election system under the provisions of the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 (CVRA). In a by-district electoral system, each Director is chosen only by the voters residing in the same district (zone) as the Director.
The District reviewed its options under the CVRA, as well as relevant trends and case law on litigation enforcing CVRA provisions in the adoption of by-district elections by other California public agencies. Upon its review, the District concluded that compliance with the CVRA and the adoption of a by-district (zone) based election system is consistent with its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness in its role as a provider of public services.
Accordingly, at its Meeting on April 1, 2019, the Board unanimously adopted Resolution No. 3131 declaring its intent to voluntarily transition to by-district (zone) elections.
Subsequently, at its April 8, 2019 meeting, the Board unanimously adopted a Proposed Timeline for Consideration and Implementation of By-District Elections. The Board will continue to receive input from the community on the transition to by-district (zone) based elections and the formation of electoral district (zone) maps at a series of scheduled public hearings shown on the timeline document available on the District’s website. All District ratepayers and residents are encouraged to participate in these hearings, with Spanish translation of documents and a Spanish interpreter available at public hearings.
Additional information (in English and Spanish) on the District’s transition to by-district (zone) elections is available (and periodically updated) on the District’s website at https://novatosan.com/district-elections/transition-to-district-or-zone-based-elections
For more information about the District, its services, and how it protects the environment, check out our website at www.novatosan.com, email us at info@novatosan.com, or call (415) 892-1694.