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By-District Elections
Union City Begins Redistricting Process Following 2020 Census
City of Union City Redistricting Process - to create your own draft map, click on the "Current Map & Draft A New Map" tab above
After extensive public outreach, five (5) public hearings and review of submitted maps from members of the public, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 862-19, transitioning from at-large elections to District -Based Councilmember elections Pursuant to Elections Code Section 10010, and adopting District Map 105b2. The first district election was held on November 3, 2020, at which time voters elected Councilmember Gary Singh to represent District 1. Elections for districts 2,3 and 4 will be held in November, 2022.
Every 10 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 nonEnglish-speaking communities. Following the results of the 2020 Census, Union City has begun the redistricting process.
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 Union City, 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 Union City, 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 Clerk at CityClerk@UnionCity.org to find out more about how the process works.
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 the City 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 the public get involved?
The City Council will be holding public hearings to receive public input on where district lines should be drawn. Those hearings will be held on:
November 9, 2021 - Public Hearing date to Receive Community Input Regarding District Boundaries
Public Hearing Notice for 11/9/2021 Meeting agenda & Staff Report Meeting Video
January 25, 2022 - Public Hearing date to Review First Draft Maps and Receive Community Input
Public Hearing Notice for 1/25/2022 Meeting Agenda & Staff Report Meeting Video
February 22, 2022 - Public Hearing date to Receive Community Input and Introduce Ordinance
Public Hearing Notice for 2/22/2022 Meeting Agenda & Staff Report Meeting Video
March 8, 2022 - Public Hearing date Receive Community Input and Adopt Ordinance
Public Hearing Notice for 3/08/2022 Meeting Agenda & Staff Report Meeting Video
You can also submit public comments, including suggested draft maps, by emailing: CityClerk@UnionCity.org
Draw and Submit Your Own District Map
Union City is updating the City Council district boundaries based on the 2020 Census. Your input, suggestions and ideas are welcomed. You can prepare your own district map amendments and submit them to the City Council for consideration using the mapping tools linked below. You can also request a paper copy for pick up at City Hall during normal business hours. For questions please contact the City Clerk at CityClerk@unioncity.org or 510-675-5448. Please note City Hall is closed for furlough beginning December 23, 2021. We will reopen on January 3, 2022).
Public Participation Kit – Paper Map with Population Counts
Public Participation Kit - Paper maps with a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to calculate population totals
Paper Map w/ Population ID#s (English) & Excel Spreadsheet (English)
Paper Map with Population ID#s (Spanish) & Excel Spreadsheet (Spanish)
Maps must be submitted by January 11, 2022 to be considered by the City Council.
Delivery Options for Your Map:
- Hand-deliver or mail to City Clerk, 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road
- Fax to 510-475-7318
- Scan or Photograph and email to: CityClerk@unioncity.org