Election System Community Engagement
This was an opportunity for residents to have a say in policy development and decision-making. City Council requested that residents be consulted and have the opportunity to provide their input as to how they want to elect their City representatives. The project is closed for comments, however, you can provide them directly to City Council at CityCouncil@vbgov.com
Update:
On August 15, 2023, by a vote of 10-1, the City Council approved the Ordinance to Adopt the 2023 Redistricting Plan and to Authorize Implementation of a Ten Single-Member District System of Local Elections. A copy of the full ordinance is included in the Documents Section.
This community engagement project is now complete. Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate and have your voice heard on this important initiative.
On July 18, 2023, Deputy City Attorney Christopher Boynton provided an Election System Update briefing to City Council. (The briefing starts at 40:45.)
City Council moved forward with adopting the 2023 Redistricting Plan and authorizing implementation of a ten single-member district system of local elections.
A public hearing was held on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 and a copy of the Agenda Request Form and the proposed ordinance and attachments (District Map Boundaries – Attachment 1) and District Precinct listing (Attachment 2)) were added to the "Documents" section for review. Residents also had the opportunity to speak on Tuesday, August 15 when the item appeared on the City Council agenda for action.
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Phases
Survey Responses
OfflineEvents
Community Input Meeting on Election System | Bayside Recreation Center Comments [#37911]
Community Input Meeting on Election System | Virtual (option 1) Comments [#37912]
Many respondents expressed concerns about the transparency and security of the current election system, with frequent calls for clearer processes and independent oversight. Several highlighted the need for better voter education and more accessible information about how votes are counted and reported. There was repeated mention of improving accessibility for marginalized groups, including people with disabilities and non-English speakers.
A number of participants advocated for the adoption of new technologies, such as online voting or blockchain, but others warned about potential cybersecurity risks and digital divides [e.g.,. Calls for paper ballots as a backup to electronic systems were common.
Some respondents raised concerns about voter ID requirements potentially disenfranchising certain populations, while others supported stricter ID checks to prevent fraud. There was also discussion about the need for more convenient voting options, such as extended early voting and more polling locations.
Comments often emphasized the importance of nonpartisan administration and oversight of elections, with several suggesting independent commissions or citizen panels [e.g.,. A few responses mentioned the need for better outreach to young voters and first-time participants.
Overall, the most common themes were transparency, accessibility, and trust in the system, with a range of suggestions for technological improvements, process reforms, and increased public engagement.
Community Input Meeting on Election System | Fairfield Elementary School Comments [#37913]
Community Input Meeting on Election System | Ocean Lakes High School Comments [#37914]
Community Input Meeting on Election System | Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library Comments [#37916]
Community Input Meeting on Election System | College Park Elementary School Comments [#37921]
Community Input Meeting on Election System | Advanced Technology Center Comments [#37923]
Community Input Meeting on Election System | Bow Creek Recreation Center Comments [#37925]
Community Input Meeting on Election System | Virtual (option 2) Comments [#37926]
Many respondents expressed concerns about the transparency and security of the current election system, with frequent calls for clearer processes and better safeguards against fraud. Several participants advocated for more accessible voting options, such as online voting and extended polling hours, to increase participation. There was notable support for improved voter education and outreach, especially targeting younger and marginalized groups. Some respondents suggested simplifying the registration process and providing multilingual resources [e.g..
Comments highlighted frustration with long wait times at polling stations and a lack of information about candidates and issues. A few users raised concerns about the influence of money in politics and suggested stricter campaign finance regulations. There were also requests for independent oversight and regular audits of election results to build public trust.
Overall, the most common themes were the need for greater transparency, enhanced accessibility, and more robust voter education efforts.