Redistricting
To assist with the completion of a redistricting study in an inclusive, transparent, and comprehensive manner, the Otay Water District is seeking community input on the criteria for and the composition of the redistricted divisions. The District will hold a public hearing to invite and solicit public comment on draft division maps and the Board of Directors will consider adopting a Final Map of Redistricted Divisions.
The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2022.
Division boundary maps are used to elect the District’s five board members. Election Code Section 22000 requires the District to adjust division boundaries after each federal decennial census, and using that census as a basis, adjust the boundaries of its Board of Director divisions so that the divisions are, as far as practicable, equal in population and in compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act. The Otay Water District Board of Directors is responsible for approving new division boundaries which, once approved, will become effective for the next election of the Board of Directors in November 2022.
Adjustment of electoral districts is usually accomplished through the completion of a redistricting study, to ensure that each modified district/division meets the one-person, one-vote test, and to ensure compliance with the federal Voting Rights Act. The District must ensure all divisions have roughly the same number of residents for equal representation on the Board of Directors. As a result of the 2020 census, the boundaries of divisions must be adjusted to allow for equal distribution of voters.
Five directors are elected by voters to serve respective division boundaries and represent the public’s interest regarding rates for service, taxes, policies, ordinances, and other matters related to the management and operation of the District. Directors serve four-year terms on the Board. Board member terms are staggered, so an election is held every two years.
The Board of Directors will hold three hearings to receive public input about where District lines will be drawn.
Upcoming Public Hearings and Timeline
- February 2, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. – Public Hearing 1 – COMPLETED
Public Hearing No. 1 allows for the public to share input on criteria to be used when adjusting division boundaries. The agenda will be posted on the District’s website at otaywater.gov/board-agenda at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the meeting.
- March 2, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. – Public Hearing 2 – COMPLETED
Public Hearing No. 2 allows for public input on draft map options reflecting possible changes to division boundaries. Each iteration of the draft maps builds upon the subsequent version to ensure equal representation. The agenda will be posted on the District’s website at otaywater.gov/board-agenda at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the meeting.
Otay Water District proposed map options are listed below:
- April 6, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. – Public Hearing 3
Public Hearing No. 3 allows for public input on draft maps and Board consideration of adopting a Final Map of Redistricted Divisions. The agenda will be posted on the District’s website at otaywater.gov/board-agenda at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the meeting.
- April 17, 2022 – Deadline to adopt and submit a Final Map to the County Registrar
- November 2022 – Election
Comments may also be submitted via email to BoardSecretary@otaywater.gov
Current District Boundary Map
Click on image above to view a PDF version of map.
Proposed Maps for Redistricting
Draft maps will be available for public hearing no. 2 on March 2, 2022.