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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 2Pt. 1Ch. 4Art. 2§ 34880 District Election Transition Rules

§ 34880 District Election Transition Rules

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

§ 34880 District Election Transition Rules

Key Takeaways

  • •If a city wants to create or change how it picks its leaders by districts, the plan must follow certain rules.
  • •The first leaders elected under the new plan will serve until the next big city election.
  • •At the next big election, leaders from even-numbered districts serve 4 years, and leaders from odd-numbered districts serve 2 years.
  • •After that, all leaders serve 4-year terms.

Example

A small town wants to split into districts to elect its city council.

The town creates a plan to elect council members by districts. The first group of council members will serve until the next big election. Then, some will serve 4 years and others 2 years, depending on their district number. After that, everyone serves 4 years.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 34880 District Election Transition Rules

(a) If the petition or proposal developed by the commission for submission to the electorate for incorporation or special reorganization of a city provides for the election of members of the legislative body by (or from) districts and includes substantially the provisions required to be included in an ordinance providing for that election, including Section 34871, the members of the legislative body shall be elected in the manner provided in the petition or proposal. (b) The members of the legislative body shall hold office until the next general municipal election. At the next general municipal election the members elected by or from the even-numbered districts shall hold office for four years and the members elected by or from the odd-numbered districts shall hold office for two years. Thereafter the term of office is four years. (Amended by Stats. 2000, Ch. 761, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2001.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

electionordinancecorporationcommissionpetitionreorganization

Related Statutes

  • § 34884 City Council District Formation
  • § 56812 City Appropriations Limit Calculation
  • § 56813 City Disincorporation Tax Revenue
  • § 56827 Special District Reorganization Authority
  • § 23681 County Seat Removal Petition

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 34880.
View Official Source