A ‘low-profile’ revolution’ changes how local governments hold elections

Santa Monica, one of the state’s most left-leaning cities, would seem to be an unlikely arena for a court battle over racial discrimination.
However, in a trial this month, the city defends electing city council members “at-large” by all voters, rather than from districts. A lawsuit contends that the system discriminates against Latinos and other non-white residents.
It’s the latest of many legal challenges to local governments under the California Voting Rights Act,