San Luis Obispo adopts citywide single‑vote system; officials say results will be monitored

San Luis Obispo officials told residents the council adopted a citywide single‑vote election method after almost two years of negotiations with voting‑rights advocates and public hearings in November 2024 and January 2026. Under the new approach, voters citywide will cast one vote per open council seat, and the top two vote‑getters will fill two open seats; the mayoral vote remains unchanged.

City presentation materials described the move as a compromise to avoid breaking the city into districts and the expense of litigation. The presentation warned that “no city has ever won a California Voting Rights Act lawsuit,” and framed the single‑vote method as a way to protect citywide participation while preventing any single group from electing multiple candidates.

Deputy City Manager Greg Herman summarized implementation and outreach plans for the change, saying the city will provide information at public tables and online ahead of the November 2026 election and that staff will review outcomes after the 2026 and 2028 council member elections. Officials said they can revert to districts or pursue other alternatives if data shows a different approach would better serve the community.

The council’s adoption was presented as a local legislative action; the transcript indicates the council adopted the policy following public hearings, but no formal vote tally or mover/second was recorded in the public presentation.

Officials encouraged residents to visit the city’s election information resources and to contact staff with questions. Materials, including QR codes and handouts, will be made available at outreach tables and online.