City of El Cajon Redistricting Process

Every ten years, local governments use new census data to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. Assembly Bill 849 (2019) requires cities and counties to engage communities in the redistricting process by holding public hearings and/or workshops and doing public outreach, including to non-English-speaking communities.

What is redistricting?

Every ten years, districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. This process, called redistricting, is important in ensuring that each city councilmember represents about the same number of constituents. In El Cajon, the City Council is responsible for drawing council districts. Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data, which is released around March 31, 2021. For the City of El Cajon, the redistricting process must be completed by 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 councilmember.

The City Council will seek input in selecting the next district map for our City Council. You have an opportunity to share with the City Council how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community.

You can contact the City at redistricting@elcajon.gov to find out more about how the process works.

What do the existing council districts look like?

You can find a map of the City’s current council districts here: www.cityofelcajon.us/DistrictMap

What criteria will our City Council use when drawing district lines?

To the extent practicable, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria: (1) geographically contiguous districts (each city council district should share a common border with the next), (2) the geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, (3) 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 will our City Council notify the public about redistricting?

The City Council will reach out to local media to publicize the redistricting process. Also, we will make a good faith effort to notify community groups of various kinds about the redistricting process. Our public hearings will be provided in applicable languages if residents submit a request in advance. The City Council will notify the public about redistricting hearings, post maps online before adoption, and create a dedicated web page for all relevant information about the redistricting process.

How can I get involved?

The City Council will be holding hearings to receive public input on where district lines should be drawn. Those hearings will be held on:

• Wednesday, July 14, 6:30 p.m.
  Hillside Recreation Center
  840 Buena Terrace
  El Cajon, CA 92020
  
  
• Wednesday, September 8, 6:30 p.m.
  Renette Recreation Center
  935 South Emerald Avenue
  El Cajon, CA 92020

• Thursday, November 4, 7:00 p.m.
  Kennedy Recreation Center
  1675 E. Madison Ave.
  El Cajon, 92020

• Saturday, January 22, 2022, 10:30 a.m.
  El Cajon Valley High School
  1035 East Madison Ave.
  El Cajon, CA 92020

You can also submit public comments, including suggested draft maps, by emailing: redistricting@elcajon.gov.

Where can I find out more?
The City maintains a webpage on the city’s redistricting process here: www.cityofelcajon.us/redistricting