Politics & Government

Orange County Cities Could Challenge State's Election Law: Report

Two cities in Orange County may legally challenge California's law requiring municipalities to move to district-based elections.

Brea and Cypress may legally challenge California's law requiring municipalities to move to district-based elections.
Brea and Cypress may legally challenge California's law requiring municipalities to move to district-based elections. (Courtesy of the Orange County Registrar of Voters)

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Members of the Brea and Cypress city councils have recently indicated they will not follow California's election law requiring them to move from at-large elections to a district-based voting system, Voice of OC reported.

The rejection of the state law could face legal challenges, and a Malibu-based attorney sent letters to officials in Brea and Cypress warning they may be sued under the California Voting Rights Act, according to Voice of OC's report.

The law was signed in 2002 and "prohibits the use of an at-large election in a political subdivision if it would impair the ability of a protected class, as defined, to elect candidates of its choice or otherwise influence the outcome of an election."

Find out what's happening in Orange Countyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Brea officials have argued the city is too small for district-based elections to make sense, Voice of OC Reported. Cypress officials said the city's at-large voting system hasn't disenfranchised minorities.


Visit the Voice of OC website to read more about Brea and Cypress being poised to buck district-based elections.

Find out what's happening in Orange Countyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.