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HomeElections CodeDiv. 10Pt. 5.5§ 10650 Special District Election Method

§ 10650 Special District Election Method

Elections Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 10650 Special District Election Method

This law lets a special district change its board elections to district‑based voting without needing voters to approve the change, as long as it says the change follows the California Voting Rights Act.

Key Takeaways

  • •A "special district" can adopt district‑based elections without voter approval.
  • •The resolution must state it is for the purposes of the California Voting Rights Act.
  • •Cities, counties, school districts, and districts with appointed members are NOT covered by this rule.

Example

A local fire protection district wants each neighborhood to elect its own board member instead of everyone voting for all members.

The district can pass a resolution to switch to district‑based elections and does not have to put the change on a ballot, as long as the resolution says it is doing so to follow the California Voting Rights Act.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 10650 Special District Election Method

(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a governing body of a special district may require, by resolution, that the members of its governing body be elected using district-based elections, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 14026, without being required to submit the resolution to the voters for approval. A resolution adopted pursuant to this subdivision shall include a declaration that the change in the method of electing members of the governing body is being made in furtherance of the purposes of the California Voting Rights Act of 2001 (Chapter 1.5 (commencing with Section 14025) of Division 14 of the Elections Code). (b) For purposes of this section, “special district” means an agency of the state formed pursuant to general law or special act for the local performance of governmental or proprietary functions within limited boundaries. “Special district” does not include a city, county, city and county, school or community college district, special assessment district, or district with appointed members on its governing body. (Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 754, Sec. 2. (AB 2389) Effective January 1, 2017.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

special districtdistrict-based electionsCalifornia Voting Rights Act of 2001

Related Statutes

  • § 10010 District Election Public Hearings
  • § 10004 Special District Election Failure
  • § 10508 District Director Election Methods
  • § 11004 Local Officer Definition
  • § 1303 Special District Election Dates

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Elections Code. Section 10650.
View Official Source