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1. What is Redistricting?

State law requires that City Council Districts must be redrawn every ten years, following each decennial Census, so that each district is substantially equal in population. This process, called redistricting, is important in ensuring that each City Council Member represents about the same number of constituents. Lake Elsinore Municipal Code Section 2.09.010 (ELECTIONS) established the five Council Districts of the City of Lake Elsinore and LEMC Section 2.09.028 addresses Adjustment of Council District Boundaries or Redistricting.

Redistricting is done using U.S. Census data, which is normally released around March 31st following each decennial census. Due to COVID-19, the 2020 U.S. Census and the resulting data were significantly delayed. The redistricting data that the City will use to consider changes to the five City Council Districts will not be available until around September 30, 2021. For the City of Lake Elsinore, the redistricting process must be completed by April 15, 2021.

• Municipal Code Regarding Adjustment of Council District Boundaries
• California Elections Code Section 21601

2. Why does Redistricting matter to me?

Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for the purpose of electing a City Council Member. The City Council will seek input in considering district boundary adjustments and adopting the next district map for Lake Elsinore's City Council. Members of the public will have an opportunity to share with the City Council opinions on how district boundaries should be drawn to best represent the community and communities of interest in the City. 

You can email Candice Alvarez, City Clerk, or call 951-674-3124 to find out more about how the process works.

3. What do the existing council districts look like?

For more information, download the City of Lake Council District Boundary Map (PDF) to view the City's current council districts.

To locate your current District, enter your address on the GIS map.

4. What criteria will our city council use when drawing district lines?

To the extent, practicable, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria: 

1. Geographically contiguous districts.
2. The geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division.
3. The geographic integrity of a city shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division.
4. Easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.).
5. Lines shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness. In addition, boundaries shall not be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against a political party.

5. What is the general timeline of the 2021 to 2022 Redistricting process?

• August 10, 2021: The City Council holds the first of two pre-map Public Hearings.
• September 14, 2021: The City Council holds the second of two pre-map Public Hearings.
• September 30, 2021: 2020 Census redistricting data is scheduled to be released by the State and will be loaded into the mapping application for the public to redraw districts.
• February 22, 2022: The City Council opens and continues the next Public Hearing to March 8, 2022 at 7:30 pm.
• March 8, 2022: The City Council continues the Public Hearing opened on February 22, 2022, reviews the first draft maps, and selects a map to be introduced for adoption at the next Public Hearing on March 22, 2022, at 7:30 pm.
• March 22, 2022: The City Council holds the second of two Public Hearings with maps and adopts final maps.
• April 15, 2022: Staff provides final maps to the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.

6. How Can I Submit Redistricting Maps?

Lake Elsinore residents can choose from the following options:

• Draw Your Own Map Online: Dave's Redistricting (DRA 2020) is a free web app to create, view, analyze and share redistricting maps. View Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for this online mapping tool. Visit DavesRedistricting.org - Lake Elsinore Current District Template page to get started.
  • Upon completing your map online, you must submit your map directly to the City Clerk by sending an email to Candice Alvarez with the name of the map you just published. If not, the City Clerk will not know you have drawn a map and will be unable to include it in those submitted to City Council. 
  • Reminder: Please include the name of your map.
• Download and Completed A Paper Mapping Tool: For those without internet access or who prefer paper, you can draw your own boundaries using a printed map. Printed copies are also available at the City Clerks Office. Please call Candice Alvarez at 951-674-3124, ext. 269 to schedule a time to pick up a printed map or download one of the following:
  • Public Participation Kit (English) - Paper Map (Showing Population Count) (PDF)
  • Public Participation Kit - Paper Map with Street Names (PDF) (No Population Count)
  • Kit de participacion publica (PDF) - Mapa en papel con recuento de población (Español)
  • You can also submit your own hand-drawn map in any form that identifies street names.

Printed maps must be submitted to the City Clerk directly. They can be hand-delivered to City Hall, mailed to 130 S Main Street, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530, or a scanned document or image can be emailed to Candice Alvarez.

7. Who do I contact if I need assistance of have questions or comments?

We are happy to assist you. Please email Candice Alvarez or call 951-674-3124, ext. 269. Please feel free to submit any comments, questions, or feedback you have on the redistricting process.