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File Number: 25-013 <br />provides a private right of action to members of a protected class where an at-large election <br />system "impairs the ability of a protected class to elect candidates of its choice or its ability to <br />influence the outcome of an election..." Elec. Code §§ 14027, 14032. <br />To prevail on a CVRA challenge, the Claimant must prove not only the existence of racially <br />polarized voting, but that such voting scheme results in vote dilution. “Racially polarized voting” <br />(“RPV”) is established when there is a difference in the choice of candidates preferred by voters <br />in a protected class, and in the choice of candidates preferred by the rest of the electorate. This <br />requires a statistical analysis. Vote dilution is established when, under some lawful alternative <br />election system, the minority group would have the potential, on its own or with the help of <br />crossover voters, to elect its preferred candidate. This can be shown through a “searching <br />evaluation of the totality of the facts and circumstances.” <br />Should a Claimant prevail under CVRA litigation, courts have traditionally employed a mandate <br />that the public agency transition to a district-based election system as the remedy for the CVRA <br />violation. However, recent case law has clarified that courts may employ other alternatives without <br />requiring a public agency to transition. This includes, but is not limited to, implementation of <br />cumulative voting, limited voting, and ranked-choice voting. <br />The City must also consider concurrent timelines in accordance with the redistricting process, <br />including any requirements for the City to finalize and submit new district maps to the Alameda <br />County Registrar of Voters. <br />Financial Impacts <br />There are costs associated with the redistricting process. For example, there will be significant <br />time and effort needed to administer the transition process, including costs incurred from hosting <br />public meetings and soliciting public input for the redistricting process. The City may also need to <br />hold a special election to bring the charter amendment for voter approval. Lastly, the City may <br />need to hire a demographer to assist with drawing the new districts. The estimated cost of a <br />demographer is between $30,000-$50,000. <br /> <br />ATTACHMENT <br />Attachment A: Resolution (District-Based Election System) <br />o Ex A1: Timeline <br />Page 2 City of San Leandro Printed on 9/4/2025