Elections

MPWD Adopts Ordinance for Divisional Elections

April 26, 2022

During its March 24, 2022 Regular Board Meeting, the MPWD Board of Directors adopted Ordinance No. 122 which establishes an electoral system with division-based elections for the election of its Board members commencing in November 2022 with five (5) divisions as shown on the selected MPWD Division Map (PDF).

The process to convert from at-large Board elections to an electoral-based system was commenced by the MPWD Board at the October, 2021 Board Meeting with a public review of draft, preliminary division maps and a report from Redistricting Partners. The Board’s goal was to encourage the fullest voter participation in elections of Board members so as to provide confidence to our that the MPWD continues to represent their interests to the fullest extent possible.

Between January and March, 2022 the MPWD held three (3) duly-noticed public hearings wherein Redistricting Partners presented two (2) division maps to the Board and public, which were explained and discussed, with the consultant and District Counsel available to respond to questions. With the adoption of Ordinance No. 122 at the final public hearing on March 24, the MPWD implements a divisional-based electoral election process that complies with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, as well as the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA). Furthermore, the ordinance spells out the sequence of elections for each of the five (5) divisions, and, establishes that Board candidates and Board members of the MPWD must reside in, and be a registered voter in, the electoral division in which they seek to serve or serves.

“This ordinance means the MPWD meets the requirements of the CVRA and serves as an important milestone for our communities to ensure all voters within the MPWD’s jurisdiction elect candidates of their choice that represent their vital interests and particular neighborhoods,” says Kirk R. Wheeler, Board President. “We believe this establishes a transparent and fair electoral process that furthers the self-governance mission of MPWD as a California Special District.”

Public Hearing Schedule

Thursday, March 24, 2022, at 6:30 PM

Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 6:30 PM

Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 6:30 PM

At the first public hearing on January 27, 2022, the MPWD, with the assistance of its demographer consultant, will present the updated census data for the MPWD’s service area, identification of significant neighborhoods and communities, and two (2) draft maps of the five (5) potential election divisions. The MPWD is interested in gathering input on the proposed composition, population, geography, and communities of interest. The second public hearing scheduled for February 24, 2022, will allow for a second presentation of MPWD draft map options and further opportunity to provide input. One of the map options will be considered for further discussion. The third and final public hearing scheduled for March 24, 2022, the Board of Directors will review the final draft map and consider approval. The draft maps and related information to the MPWD’s redistricting process will be available for public review in advance of the scheduled public hearings and posted at the MPWD’s website.In November 2022, three (3) MPWD Board positions will be up for election.

• Districting Final Maps (PDF)
• Ordinance 122 – Approving the Change from At-large to Division-based Electoral System for Members Of the MPWD Board of Directors Commencing in November of 2022 (PDF)
• Third Hearing Agenda Item No. 6.A. for March 24, 2022 (PDF)
• Public Hearing Notice from January 19, 2022 (PDF)
• Redistricting Data & Draft Maps Presentation to MPWD for February 24, 2022 (PDF)
• Second Hearing Agenda Item No. 6.A. for February 24, 2022 (PDF)
• Public Hearing Notice Sent by Mail to MPWD Rate Payers (PDF)

History

• June 25, 2020: Resolution 2020-19 Approving the Intention to Change from At-Large to Zone-Based Elections for Election of Members of the Board of Directors Commencing in November of 2022.
• May 27, 2021: Contract for professional services between the MPWD and Redistricting Partners (RP) for the Zone-Based Election Process Demography and related Resolution 2021-10 Awarding a Contract to Redistricting Partners for Redistricting Services.
• October 28, 2021: Staff report (Agenda Item No. 8.A.) and consultant presentation by Redistricting Partners of two (2) draft preliminary Division maps (see below) for MPWD November 2022 Board Member Elections.
• January 27, 2022: Staff report (Agenda Item No. 6.A.) and consultant presentation for First Public Hearing: Conversion from an At-Large Electoral System for Members of the MPWD Board of Directors to a System Based on Five (5) Divisions Pursuant to the California Voting Rights Act.
• February 24, 2022: Staff report (Agenda Item No. 6.A.) and consultant presentation for Second Public Hearing: Conversion from At-Large Electoral System for Members of the MPWD Board of Directors to a System Based on Five (5) Divisions Pursuant to the California Voting Rights Act and Consideration of Division Map Preference.
• March 24, 2022: Staff report (Agenda Item No. 6.A.) Consider MPWD Division Map Plan 2 for the Board of Directors Electoral System, Pursuant to the California Voting Rights Act, and Adopt Ordinance No. 122 Approving the Change from At-large to Division-based Elections for Members of the MPWD Board of Directors Commencing November 2022, and Directing the General Manager to Proceed with the Necessary Steps to Ensure Compliance for the MPWD. Ordinance No. 122 adopted by a 4-0 vote by the Board of Directors.

Final Division Map

CLICK HERE to download Final Division Map (PDF)
CLICK HERE for the detailed street boundaries (PDF)
CLICK HERE to navigate the online, detailed street-level map

Election Procedures