One major concern for opponents is the requirement that candidates get at least 50 percent of the vote on the November ballot or face a run-off a month later. According to the League of California Cities, only four of 31 cities known to the League to conduct elections by district had a run-off system. And Shanks points out that, despite the fears of opponents, it's just as likely that a run-off could be result in a progressive victory as not. The Mechanics of Districts. The two reasons most frequently mentioned by supporters are that districts create more direct access and therefore greater accountability.
Candidates have to target a smaller voter pool with more defined, common interests.
In theory, campaigns in a smaller area would also be cheaper, although there is no way to assure that. This might, according to some, result in greater voter participation. Many voters would feel less intimidated in approaching the council if they knew who represented them, and there would also likely be higher expectations as a result. It is hard to minimize the attraction of people having their own councilmember to call on. All this is open to interpretation.