California Law (Last Updated: March 4, 2014) |
Government Code - GOV |
Title 4. GOVERNMENT OF CITIES |
Division 2. ORGANIZATION AND BOUNDARIES |
Part 1. ORGANIZATION |
Chapter 4. Alternative Forms of Government |
ARTICLE 2. Election of Legislative Body By or From Districts in Cities |
Section 34884.
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If, at the time a vote is held on the subject of incorporation of a new city, a majority of the votes cast is for incorporation and, if, in accordance with Section 35258, a majority of the votes cast on the question of whether members of the city council in future elections are to be elected by district or at large is in favor of election by district, the following procedure shall apply:
(a) Prior to the first day on which voters may nominate candidates for election at the next regular municipal election, the legislative body shall, by ordinance or resolution, establish the boundaries of the councilmanic districts. The districts shall be as nearly equal in population as may be. In establishing the boundaries of the districts, the legislative body may give consideration to the following factors: (1) topography, (2) geography, (3) cohesiveness, contiguity, integrity, and compactness of territory, and (4) community of interests of the districts;
(b) The terms of office of the two members elected with the lowest vote shall expire on the Tuesday succeeding the next regular municipal election. At that election, members shall be elected by district in the even-numbered districts and shall hold office for four years; and
(c) The terms of office of the three members elected with the highest vote shall expire on the Tuesday succeeding the second regular municipal election following the incorporation. At that election, members shall be elected by district in the odd-numbered districts and shall hold office for four years.
The result of the vote cast on the question of whether members of the city council in future elections are to be elected by district or at large shall not preclude the submission to the voters at any future election of a measure in accordance with the provisions of Section 34871.