Why is Irvine moving to districts?

In recent years, cities throughout California have been legally challenged to shift from at-large elections to district-based elections, with the 2002 California Voting Rights Act as the basis for the legal challenge. In light of this, and as part of the City’s commitment to ensuring fair elections, the City Council voted at its meeting on January 10 to pursue districting and the expansion of the council from four to six, with a mayor elected at-large. In March 2024, voters will have the chance to vote on whether the City Council expands and moves to district-based elections.