Abstract
Problem and purpose. Since the birth of this nation, the principles of representation and the parameters of suffrage have been subjects of close and heated examination. The expansion of the right to vote and accordingly, the right of equal representation, have been a continuous and often acrimonious proposition. Minority citizens can experience a form of voter discrimination as a result of underrepresentation on elected bodies. The purpose of this study was to assess legally permitted voting models for achieving equitable representation on school boards in Monterey County. Methodology. Using policy analysis and a multiple inquiry approach, a panel of experts developed criteria that determine equitable representation. Using a five-round Delphi process the panel rated, ranked, and then force ranked the criteria. A qualitative trade-off analysis was used to assess which legally permitted voting model best achieves the highest-ranked criteria that determine representational opportunities in school board elections. Findings. The Delphi panel established fourteen criteria as the most important criteria in determining equitable representation. It also validated that there are three legally permitted voting models for California public school districts. When comparing which voting model best achieves the established criteria, voting model "B" (lives in trustee area—elected by trustee area) received the highest number of choices. Closer analysis, however, identified that two distinct clusters of criteria had emerged, one being a set best describing effective leadership and one being a set best describing representational equality. The set best described as effective leadership clearly had a preponderance of choices for no particular voting model advantage. The set best describing representational equality clearly had a preponderance of choices for voting model "B." Conclusions and recommendations. The study found that when a group of voters is seeking to achieve equitable representation, it is best accomplished through a broad-based community group using a reliable process of multiple inquiry to identify the criteria that the entire jurisdiction determines as equitable representation. All legally available voting models should then be assessed against the criteria to determine which model best achieves representational equality.