FAQ

Redistricting is the regular process of adjusting the lines of voting districts in accordance with population shifts. Every ten years, districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. This process is important in ensuring that each Councilmember represents about the same number of constituents. Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data.

Because history has seen public agencies redraw district lines to influence elections, favor a particular party or suppress a group’s voting power, or gerrymandering, all district lines must be reviewed to meet strict requirements for population equality and voting rights protections. With the California Voting Rights Act, more than 500 jurisdictions in California were redistricted in 2021-2022.

In the City of South San Francisco, the City Council is responsible for approving the final map of new district boundaries. Our redistricting process was completed on April 17, 2022.

Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a Councilmember. The City Council will seek input in selecting the next district map for our Councilmember districts. You have an opportunity to share with the City Council how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community.

You can find a map of the existing districts here: City of South San Francisco District Map

To the extent practicable, in accordance with the FAIRMAPS Act (AB 849) and AB 1276, district lines were adopted using the following criteria:

1. Geographically contiguous districts (each district should share a common border with the next),
2. The geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division,
3. The geographic integrity of a city shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division,
4. Easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.), and
5. Lines shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness. In addition, boundaries shall not be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against a political party.

The City conducted a robust public messaging program and implemented a community outreach plan that reached out to local media outlets and members of the public to publicize the redistricting process via social media engagement, press releases, public notices posted at City facilities, advertisements on Community TV Channel 28, South San Francisco Unified School District parent newsletter, and the City’s dedicated webpage. We made a good faith effort to notify community groups of various kinds about the redistricting process. Our public hearings and community workshops provided applicable languages to residents when they submitted a request in advance. The City Clerk’s Office held pop-up events at widely attended community events such as the Farmer’s Market in order to help spread the word.

The City notified the public about redistricting hearings and community workshops, posted maps online before adoption, and created a dedicated webpage for all relevant information about the redistricting process. Please continue to check this website for more information and resources.

The City held Public Hearings at City Council meetings and Community Workshops which received public input on where district lines should be drawn. A schedule outlining these Public Hearings and Community Workshops was posted.

No, but you can draw boundaries for just the district where you’d like your neighborhood to be or any part of the City. Map entries are now closed.

Yes, you can submit more than one map! Map entries are now closed.

Once submitted, maps are considered public records. The City will post all legally-compliant submitted maps on its website. Map entries are now closed.

There are a number of online publications and guides to redistricting. You can start with Brennan Center, League of Women Voters, the California Independent Redistricting Commission, or Common Cause.

These are standard categories included in the Census. Not all of the categories are relevant for creating district maps. Acronyms include:

• NH: Non-Hispanic
• VAP: Voting age population
• CVAP: Citizen Voting Age Population
• CVRA: California Voting Rights Act