CVRA By-Trustee Area Election
On February 17, 2022, the Santa Cruz County Committee on School District Organization approved SUESD's transition to a "by-trustee area" election, specifically Map Scenario 1, shown below. Beginning in November 2022 SUESD Board elections will be by-trustee area.
Overview
SUESD currently has an at-large election system, where voters of our entire District elect all five members of the School Board. We are going through the processes to consider a “By-area” trustee election system that would divide our jurisdiction into geographic areas. Voters in each trustee area would then choose their representative, who must also live in that district or trustee area. We are dedicating this webpage to keep you up to date regarding our progress regarding this important decision.
Summary of CVRA (from the California Legislative Information website)
"AB 182, Alejo. California Voting Rights Act of 2001.
Existing law, the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 (CVRA), prohibits the use of an at-large election in a political subdivision if it would impair the ability of a protected class, as defined, to elect candidates of its choice or otherwise influence the outcome of an election. The CVRA provides that a voter who is a member of a protected class may bring an action in superior court to enforce the provisions of the CVRA, and, if the voter prevails in the case, he or she may be awarded reasonable litigation costs and attorney’s fees. The CVRA requires a court to implement appropriate remedies, including the imposition of district-based elections, that are tailored to remedy a violation of the act.
This bill would prohibit the use of a district-based election in a political subdivision if it would impair the ability of a protected class, as defined, to elect candidates of its choice. The bill would require a court to implement specified remedies upon a finding that a district-based election was imposed or applied in a manner that impaired the ability of a protected class to elect candidates of its choice."
You can read the law in its entirety by clicking here.
Timeline
The chart below shows the timeline we plan to follow to make this important decision for our district:
This is a tentative timeline, that may be subject to change in coordination with the district’s demographer.
CVRA Resources
Comparison of Trustee Area Scenarios by Population Subgroup
Trustee Area Checklist
Income Maps
By-Area Election Maps & Schedules
Please find the first drafts of possible maps for by-area elections. These maps are a starting point for public input. Also included are potential election sequencing schedules. (First Posted November 10, 2021). Please either click the buttons or images below to access full map details.
Corrections have been made on this updated schedule of potential election sequencing