Lancaster holds public hearing on proposed charter amendment to allow more council members, vice mayor and district elections

Lancaster City held a public hearing on a proposed charter amendment that, if the council places it on the ballot and voters approve it, would authorize the council to increase the number of council members (the proposal discussed increasing from four to five, with other options discussed), add the office of an elected vice mayor, and permit the council to transition from at‑large to district-based elections consistent with the California Voting Rights Act.

City legal staff told the council there was no action to take at the meeting; the matter will return to the council’s January 13 agenda for a resolution to place the question on the April ballot if the council so chooses. Staff noted the United States Supreme Court is considering a case that could affect the California Voting Rights Act; the city is weighing timing so the council and voters have as much information as possible before deciding whether to move forward.

Mayor Perez stated he opposed district elections and outlined practical concerns that he said have followed other cities that moved to districts, including reduced candidate turnout and unintended consequences he associated with some district elections. He said he had earlier worked on litigation involving the California Voting Rights Act and asked that his memo on the topic be appended to the meeting record. A member of the public, David Paul, asked clarifying questions about what the ballot measure would do if placed before voters.

Staff answered council questions about the process: the council could vote on Jan. 13 to place a resolution on the ballot for the April election; if voters approved a charter amendment it would grant the council authority — but not require — a shift to district elections and to increase seats. The city will monitor the Supreme Court ruling expected in June and will adapt its approach as needed.

Next steps: council will consider the matter on Jan. 13 for a possible ballot placement; staff will provide legal context and the mayor’s memorandum will be added to the public record as requested.