Asian American organizations say in a new lawsuit that City Council maps in Queens dilute the community's voting power.
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2023.Asian American organizations and community members sued the New York City Districting Commission on Friday, claiming that new City Council district maps will deprive South Asian Americans in Richmond Hill and Ozone Park of political representation., filed in State Supreme Court, also names the New York City Board of Elections and the New York State Board of Elections as defendants.
The community basically was split in half and that ensures that they would never have an opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice. Jerry Vattamala, the director of the Democracy Program at the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund , which brought the lawsuit, said city and state officials failed to heed warnings brought by community members that a South Asian voting bloc was fragmented due to district lines that ran down Liberty Avenue, straight through the center of the Punjabi and Indo-Caribbean population.
According to Vattamala, the Districting Commission had not fulfilled the New York City Charter’s mandate to ensure “the fair and effective representation of racial and language minority groups.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
City Council petitioning could face delays over suit alleging redistricting carved up Queens Asian communities | amNewYorkPetitioning for this year’s City Council elections, set to start next week, could now be delayed due to a lawsuit filed on Friday by a legal defense group on
Read more »
Dallas’ sanitation director quits 3 months into citywide pickup changeDallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax announced Wednesday in an email to the mayor, City Council and other top city officials that Jay Council told him he was...
Read more »
Chicago City Council Members Grill CPD Over Alleged Extremists on the ForceChicago police were on the hot seat before the City Council’s public safety Committee Wednesday morning; defending the department’s handling of two incidents involving alleged extremists in its ranks.
Read more »
First Black councilwoman appointed to Parma City CouncilMonica Wilson hopes now her position will inspire more people to get out and vote, feeling more connected and heard.
Read more »
Dan Strauss to seek reelection to Seattle City Council seatStrauss is one of three incumbent councilmembers who has announced plans to seek re-election.
Read more »
Selma City Council Reinstates Police Chief - Alabama NewsThe Selma City Council has reinstated Police Chief Kenta Fulford during a special called meeting and against the mayor's wishes. alnews selma alabamanewsnetwork
Read more »