3 districts up for grabs in Tuesday’s Palm Springs election

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday to fill three seats on the Palm Springs city council, marking the city's first district-based elections.

"It's important in every district to have everyone's voice heard and every district does have minorities it so we all need represent," said Miguel Navarro, a volunteer for Geoff Kors' campaign.

Palm Springs city council moved to split the city into five districts following allegation of racially polarized voting. City council elections were previously done on an at-large basis, with voters citywide choosing from a slate of candidates to fill all available seats.

There are 10 candidates running for three council seats in districts 1, 2 and 3. The transition to the district system will be completed in November 2020, when elections are held for Districts 4 and 5.

The switch was prompted by the threat of a legal challenge contending the at-large system violated the California Voting Rights Act. The threat has prompted municipalities across the state to move away from the at-large system.

"We hired a consultant to do an analysis and we did find that there were some racially polarized voting in past elections,' said city clerk Anthony Mejia.

City officials said the new system has changed the way campaigns are run, including increasing grassroots campaigning and lower campaign costs.

"Knowing that we're in districts, it's smaller, and knowing that someone lives in our district that's advocating for our district is very important," Anthony Mejia said. "Districting does accomplish making sure that people get involved."

The City Council approved the district maps last year. District 1 represents the northern and northeastern parts of the city, with the districts generally moving numerically southward, with District 5 covering the south and southwestern parts of the city.

Only one incumbent is up for reelection on Tuesday. Councilman/Mayor Pro Tem Geoffrey Kors is looking to represent District 3.

Mayor Rob Moon and Councilman J.R. Roberts -- who both also live within the boundaries of District 3 -- are not seeking reelection. Moon will be the city's last elected mayor. The title will henceforth rotate among the council members.

A total of 10 candidates will be running for office Tuesday. The highest vote-getter in each district will win the seat.

In District 1, the candidates are:

• Michael Shogren, a real estate agent;
• Les Young, a retired banker;
• Scott Myer, civil rights attorney; and
• Grace Garner, a lawyer.

Vying for the District 2 seat are:

• Dennis Woods, urban planner and chair of the Palm Springs Planning Commission;
• Peter J. Maietta, interior designer; and
• Adrian Alcantar, a small business owner.

In District 3, the candidates are:

• Alan Phillip Pettit, an entertainer;
• Michael J. Dilger, a gig economy worker; and
• Kors, the incumbent councilman and LGBTQ activist.

Residents must vote at a polling location within their district, city clerk Anthony Mejia said. Mail-in ballots can be dropped off at any polling location or at Palm Springs City Hall, which is hold extended business hours until 8 p.m. Residents still standing in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

The following polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

-- for District 1, the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center. 480 W. Tramview Road, and Demuth Community Center, 3601 E Mesquite Avenue;

-- for District 2: Desert AIDS Project, 1695 N. Sunrise Way, and Palm Springs Fire Department Training Center, 3000 E. Alejo Road; and

-- for District 3, the Church of St. Paul of the Desert, 125 W. El Alameda, and Palm Springs Public Library - Learning Room, 300 S. Sunrise Way.

For a complete roster of candidates, or to find out which district you live in, visit VotePalmSprings.com or contact Mejia at 760-323-8206.