Zone Based Elections

Summary

On October 19, 2018, the Grossmont Healthcare District Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 05-18, “Resolution of the Grossmont Healthcare District Outlining the Intention to Transition From At-Large To District-Based Elections Pursuant to Elections Code 10010(e)(J)(A).”

Following the process detailed below, on April 2, 2019, the Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 02-19, which established and implemented district-based or zone elections commencing with the November 2020 elections. Below is the approved interactive map showing the five zones. Elections for the odd-numbered zones are in 2024, with elections for the even-numbered zones in 2022.

Interactive GHD Map

Here are the numbered zones referenced in the map, the incumbent Grossmont Healthcare District Board Members for each, and when their respective seats are next up for election:

  • Zone 1 (Santee, El Cajon – Bostonia): Virginia Hall – November 2024
  • Zone 2 (Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, Mountain Empire Communities – Campo, Potrero, Tecate): Randy Lenac – November 2022
  • Zone 3 (La Mesa): Michael Emerson – November 2024
  • Zone 4 (Alpine, Lakeside, Harbinson-Crest, El Cajon – Unincorporated, Pine Valley, Tribal Communities – Barona & Viejas Reservations): Gloria Chadwick – November 2022
  • Zone 5 (Rancho San Diego, El Cajon, Jamul): Robert “Bob” Ayres – November 2024

Background

The Grossmont Healthcare District (“District”), like many healthcare districts and public agencies in California, used an at-large election system since forming in the 1950s. With at-large systems, board members are elected by the voters of the entire district.

The California Voting Rights Act of 2001 (“CVRA”), effective January 1, 2003, made fundamental changes to minority voting rights in California and drove changes to at-large voting systems. Because of increasing voter rights concerns under the CVRA, many public agencies in California are now transitioning to district-based or “zone” elections in which elections are within a district or zone that is a smaller part of the whole district. With district-based election systems, board members are elected only by the voters residing within that specific election district or zone.

Process and Adoption of a Final Map & Election Sequence

New zoning for District maps and the election sequence were proposed in 2019 as a result of public input and Board discussion. Following the April 2, 2019, public hearing, the Board adopted a Resolution approving the final map linked in the above summary.

Additional Resources and Information

Election Code 10010 – This is the text of the state law related to zone-based elections.

Overview of Zoning Process (Information from National Development Corporation (NDC), consultant for District research and mapping; presented at first public hearings (December 2018/January 2019)

District Population by City/Place/Tribal Reservation – This is a supplemental map (in PDF format) of the Grossmont Healthcare District that shows the population size of each major city/place/tribal reservation located within the District service region.

Original Communications Regarding Intent to Transition to Zone-Based Election System, September 2018

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