SB 689: Local jurisdictions: district-based elections.

This bill creates an exception for cities with a population of 50,000 people or less, allowing them to have a mixed election system where no more than 20% of the members are elected at-large and the remaining members are elected by district. This would be considered a district-based election for purposes of the California Voting Rights Act of 2001. The bill extends the time frame for a political subdivision to respond to a written notice from a prospective plaintiff, from 45 days to 90 days, after receiving a notice that alleges the election system violates the act. Additionally, the bill requires that written notices for allegations of election system violations in cities with a population of 50,000 people or less be signed by at least 100 voters.