Election Districting News

Oakley Moves to District-Based Elections for 2022

Background

In July 2021, the Oakley City Council began the process to move from at-large to district-based elections. After holding six public meetings to obtain community input, the Oakley City Council approved district-based elections and a five-district map. The change was prompted by threatened litigation which many California cities and districts have received, alleging violation of the California Voting Rights Act in which atlarge elections impact a protected class. Upon weighing the potential costs and legal implications of litigation, the Council approved transitioning from at-large elections to district-based elections.

How Will this Impact Voters in Oakley?

Previously, elections were at-large, meaning each of the five Councilmembers represented the entire Oakley community. The change to districtbased elections will allow voters an opportunity to be represented by a City Councilmember in their respective district. Voters will not be eligible to vote for City Council candidates outside of the districts in which they reside. Voting districts are reviewed every ten years following the U.S. Census.

Districts

The Council approved five districts, as shown on the map. During the November 2022 election, candidates from Districts 2 and 4 will be elected. Candidates from Districts 1, 3 and 5 will be elected in 2024. Councilmembers currently serving will complete their respective terms. The position of Mayor will continue to rotate among Councilmembers each December in accordance with the City’s Municipal Code. registered to vote and reside within the district in which they wish to represent. Contact the City Clerk at (925) 625-7000 prior to the nomination period for more information.

Candidates for City Council Elections

The nomination period for the November 2022 General Municipal Election is Monday, July 18th through Friday, August 12th. Candidates must be

Manager: Working Together

(Continued from the Front Page) the great work with the City Council, the exceptional Team Oakley Staff, and the Oakley community as a whole to make this City an even better place to live and work.”

McMurray holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University and is a graduate of the Contra Costa Local Government Leadership Academy. He served on the oversight board to the Successor Agency to the Oakley Redevelopment Agency. Professional affiliations include membership in the American Planning Association, the International City/County Management Association, and the International Council of Shopping Centers.

In his spare time, McMurray enjoys cooking, as well as camping along the coast and at Lake Tahoe with his family.

“Oakley is a great community and I look forward to creating a collaborative culture built on trust, transparency, and hard work,” said McMurray.