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Charter reviewers weigh returning Compton to at-large elections amid voter-rights history
Summary
The committee reviewed 2010 voter-rights litigation, Registrar-Recorder population data (~95,740), and competing recommendations to keep district-based voting or return to citywide elections; commissioners noted legal constraints from past settlements and called for more public workshops.
The Charter Review Committee examined documents related to the city’s 2010 voter-rights litigation and redistricting history and discussed whether Compton should return to at-large elections or retain district-based voting.
Tamara Benz (city staff) told the committee she had obtained Registrar-Recorder population figures showing a 2020 population of roughly 95,740 residents. Several speakers, including public commenters and some commissioners, argued the city should consider returning to at-large voting to address perceived underrepresentation and polling-center gaps: "We need to go back to citywide voting," public commenter Vanessa said, citing a lack of a voting center in District 1 during the last election.
Other commissioners said district elections continue to matter for focused representation and to avoid legal exposure under California’s voting-rights jurisprudence. Commissioner Lister cautioned that state law and prior litigation drove many cities to adopt district systems to avoid lawsuits; he urged a holistic review before recommending a change. Commissioner Baker asked staff to review the settlement agreement and whether prior conditions limit placing the question back on the ballot.
The committee agreed there were two clear recommendations to consider formally: retain district-based elections or propose returning to at-large elections. Members asked staff to return with additional legal context and public-engagement proposals; no formal vote was taken.
The committee also discussed community outreach: several public speakers and commissioners urged neighborhood workshops and extended public engagement if the committee recommends any ballot actions.
Next steps: staff will provide legal detail about the 2010 litigation/settlement and prepare a plan for broader public outreach for the committee’s next meeting.
