Goleta, Calif., - Goleta Water District (GWD) will be reviewing and making initial comments on draft district maps at the next upcoming virtual hearing Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. GWD will be transitioning to district-based elections and is inviting all interested persons to participate. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate and help draw district lines by providing public comments via email or phone, or at public hearings. Draft maps are posted on GWD’s website ( http://www.goletawater.com/districting ) along with more information on how to participate.
GWD currently elects its Board of Directors through an at-large election process, which means voters may vote for multiple candidates who live anywhere within the jurisdiction. In compliance with the California Voting Rights Act, GWD will be creating five geographic districts, each with one board director who resides in the district and is chosen by the local voters residing in that district. The first district-based election will take place in November 2022.
“These public mapping hearings will decide the Goleta Water District voting district lines for the next decade. I want to thank everyone that has participated in the process so far by submitting public comments and community of interest forms. There is still time for the public to weigh in by reviewing our draft maps and submitting maps of your own. Please share any input as we begin nearing a final selection,” said Kathleen Werner, President, Goleta Water District Board of Directors.