The suit claims that citywide elections violate the California Voting Rights Act, which prohibits at-large elections if they can be shown to racially polarize voting. It says in doing so, the City’s at-large system also violates the Equal Protection clause of the state constitution.

Read More:  https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2017/June-2017/06_14_2017_Judge_Orders_Voting_Rights_Lawsuit_Against_City_of_Santa_Monica_to_Move_Forward.html