The Sonoma City Council has approved a resolution to transition from at-large to district-based elections, city officials announced.

The move is aimed at mitigating the potential legal risks under the California Voting Rights Act after plaintiff attorney offices sent letters to some cities in California alleging that the at-large systems violated the act, a press release issued on Thursday noted.

The decision passed 4-0 with one councilmember absent.

"This is the fiscally responsible action to mitigate potential legal risks," said Sonoma Mayor John Gurney. "While the California Voting Rights Act aims to address voting discrimination, there is no evidence of vote dilution or discrimination in Sonoma. This decision reflects our proactive approach to avoid the costs associated with legal challenges, not because of any concerns about the current election system."

Currently, all Sonoma voters elect city council members regardless of their neighborhood. Under the new system, councilmembers will be elected by district.

The city plans to adopt district-based elections by March 2025.. Public input is actively encouraged, according to officials.

A professional demographer will also help in drafting district maps to help the public and the city council with the process.

A public meeting to begin the process will take place on Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. in the Sonoma City Council Chambers. A recording will also be available on the city's YouTube channel.

For more information on the public meetings and how to join, visit the Transition to District Elections webpage at www.sonomacity.org/transition-to-district-based-elections.