Chapter 1.20
WARD VOTING SYSTEM
Sections:
1.20.010 Division of city into wards and at-large positions.
1.20.015 Modification of ward boundaries.
1.20.025 Ward and at-large positions.
1.20.030 Residency requirements.
1.20.050 Ward boundaries – Committee recommendations.
1.20.010 Division of city into wards and at-large positions.
The city of Walla Walla is hereby divided into four wards which shall be known as the east, west, south, and central wards. The boundaries of the respective wards are depicted on a ward distribution map which shall be maintained in the official records of the city of Walla Walla. Each ward shall be allocated one seat on the city council as provided in this chapter. The city at-large shall be allocated three seats on the city council as provided in this chapter. (Ord. 2018-31 § 2, 2018: Ord. 2017-34 § 2, 2017).
1.20.015 Modification of ward boundaries.
A. Ward boundaries shall be reviewed and may be redrawn based upon information from the most recent decennial census in accordance with RCW 35A.12.180 and Chapter 29A.76 RCW.
B. Territory added to the city of Walla Walla during periods between redistricting shall be added to the ward with which the territory shares the greatest boundary as measured by lineal foot. (Ord. 2018-31 § 4, 2018).
1.20.020 Council positions.
All positions shall be nonpartisan. (Ord. 2017-34 § 3, 2017).
1.20.025 Ward and at-large positions.
A. City council position 4 shall be the east ward city council position.
B. City council position 5 shall be the west ward city council position.
C. City council position 1 shall be the south ward city council position.
D. City council position 2 shall be the central ward city council position.
E. City council positions 3, 6, and 7 shall be at-large city council positions. (Ord. 2018-31 § 5, 2018).
1.20.030 Residency requirements.
Candidates for at-large positions may reside anywhere in the city, and at-large councilmembers may reside anywhere in the city while holding office. Candidates for ward positions must reside in the ward to which that council position is assigned, and ward councilmembers must reside in that ward while holding office.
A. The creation of wards and ward boundaries shall not affect the terms of the councilmembers who are serving as of September 12, 2018, or their qualification to serve, and those councilmembers shall be allowed to serve out their current terms. In those situations, the creation of wards and ward boundaries shall be deemed to become effective with respect to those council positions during the election cycle held to select a successor for the next term.
B. If a council position becomes vacant, the creation of wards and ward boundaries shall be deemed to become immediately effective with respect to that council position, and the person who fills the vacant position must satisfy the residency requirements herein. (Ord. 2018-31 § 6, 2018: Ord. 2017-34 § 4, 2017).
1.20.040 Voter restrictions.
Only voters of a ward may vote at primary elections conducted to nominate ward candidates. Voters of the entire city may vote at primary elections conducted to nominate at-large candidates. Voters of the entire city may vote at general elections to select both ward and at-large councilmembers. (Ord. 2017-34 § 5, 2017).
1.20.050 Ward boundaries – Committee recommendations.
Each time the city of Walla Walla considers redistricting, the Walla Walla city council shall appoint a committee which shall recommend to the city council how the boundaries of the wards should be drawn. The boundaries of the wards shall be established by separate ordinance. Wards shall be drawn to provide that each ward is as nearly equal in population to every other ward as is possible and practical using the most recent federal decennial census data. In addition:
A. Each ward shall be as compact as possible;
B. Each ward shall consist of geographically contiguous area;
C. Population data may not be used for purposes of favoring or disfavoring any racial group; and
D. To the extent feasible, the ward boundaries shall coincide with existing recognized natural boundaries and shall, to the extent possible, preserve existing communities of related and mutual interest. (Ord. 2018-31 § 7, 2018: Ord. 2017-34 § 6, 2017).
1.20.060 Public notice.
The city of Walla Walla shall provide reasonable public notice before adopting an ordinance establishing ward boundaries and shall hold at least one public hearing on its proposed plan before its adoption. (Ord. 2017-34 § 7, 2017).