Residents give input on Indio’s proposed voting districts

Indio city council members received input from residents on switching the city to five voting districts — each represented by a member of the council.

People had a chance to look at three different drafts prepared by a consultant company at today’s city council meeting.

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People who spoke at the meeting worried that splitting the city into districts could open the door for gerrymandering — and the possibility that these districts could disenfranchise minorities from holding public office.

City officials say they are forced to go through this process.

The city has received notices that it will be sued in accordance with the California Voting Rights Act if the city doesn’t change to districts.

“If we do not move forward with the process, we will end up with a lawsuit that will cost taxpayers dollars for something that we can not change,” said Indio Mayor Elaine Holmes. “It’s a challenge and a tremendous amount of angst on our part. We like to support the entire community.”

People will be able to give their input on the three proposed designs at the next council meeting.