Every ten years, local governments use new census data to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. This process, called redistricting, is important in ensuring that each Council Member represents about the same number of constituents. Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data that was released September 20, 2021.
Your input is needed to redraw voting districts, and one way you can participate is by assisting the City in developing a list of “communities of interest” (COI) that can be utilized in the process to redraw district lines.
The deadline to submit a COI Worksheet is February 1, 2022.
What is a Community of Interest (COI)?
A Community of Interest is a group of people that: share common social or economic interests, live in a geographically definable area, and should be included within a single district for purposes of effective and fair representation in future elections. There are some communities of interest that are considered “protected classes” in that they have rights through state or federal civil rights or voting rights laws. Some examples of protected classes in districting would be ethnic and racial minorities such as a concentration of Latinx, Asian, or African American people.
There are other potential COI that can also be considered in redistricting, such as: senior citizens, college students, people who live in a particular neighborhood, or even people who share concerns such as parents with young children, bicycle enthusiasts, topic interest group, etc.
COI does not include relationships with political parties, incumbents, or political candidates.
What Can You Do to Participate in the Process?
1. Provide your comments on your community of interest by completing the online COI worksheet below.
2. Visit the Draw a Map Page and draw and submit a map via email, by mail or drop it off in person. Email: districts@westminster-ca.gov, Submit by Mail or Drop Off In Person: Westminster City Hall, ATTN: City Clerk – Redistricting, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683. City Hall Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Closed Every Friday.
3. Attend one of the City’s Public Hearings or Community Workshops.