Measure R:Redistricting

City Council redistricting plan

Summary

Measure R would rewrite the way Berkeley draws the district boundaries used to elect City Council members. The city must redraw its district boundaries every 10 years after the release of the Federal Census. Instead of requiring that any newly-drawn district boundary preserve as closely as possible the boundaries established in the City Charter in 1986, Measure R would authorize the City Council to create districts that were as equal in population as possible. In establishing new requirements for district boundaries, Measure R would require officials to take into consideration topography, geography, cohesiveness, continuity, integrity and compactness of territory of the districts, as well as existing communities of interest.

Show

Yes

A Yes vote on this measure means: Berkeley will be able to redraw its city council district boundaries without having to closely follow the boundaries established in the City Charter in 1986. This measure will not redistrict any sitting council member out of office.

No

A NO vote on this measure means: No change to the status quo.

Show

Yes

There are no financial impacts with Measure R.

No

There are no financial impacts with Measure R.

Show

Yes

The city of Berkeley adopted district elections 26 years ago, but put in boundaries that could only be changed slightly, despite shifts in population. Measure R will keep Berkeley’s district elections, but instead of insisting the districts resemble as closely as possible those drawn up in 1986, it permits flexibility. With Measure R, redistricting will be based on 1) geographic boundaries and major arteries that are easy to follow 2) respect for communities of interests, such as neighborhoods and students 3) topography, continuity, cohesiveness and compactness. It could create a student district. It will not allow City Council members to be redistricted out of office. The process will remain fair and inclusive because everyone is invited to propose district boundaries, not just the City Council.

No

Measure R erases the district guidelines drawn up in 1986 and will allow City Council members to draw district lines at their discretion and personal benefit without the consent of voters. Gerrymandering will happen if Measure R passes as the restrictions on the districts would be vague: “integrity, topography, community of interests, major arteries.” Measure R is not good government because it gives all the power to the City Council.

Show