The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Houston County, Georgia, alleging that its at-large elections for county commissioners violate the Voting Rights Act by diluting the influence of Black voters. The lawsuit argues that a district-based system would give Black candidates a fairer chance of winning.
SAVANNAH, Ga. — The U.S. Justice Department sued a Georgia county Thursday, alleging that its method of electing county commissioners discriminates against Black voters.
“White voters cast their ballots sufficiently as a bloc to defeat Black voters’ preferred candidate” in countywide elections for Houston County commissioner, the lawsuit said. The department wants a judge to prohibit Houston County from conducting further countywide elections for commission seats and order officials to choose a new, fairer system for electing commissioners.
VOTING RIGHTS ELECTION LAW DISCRIMINATION BLACK VOTERS GEORGIA
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.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Accidentally Sends Evacuation Alert to All of L.A. CountySource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
Justice Department resolves investigation of Antioch Police Department over racist textsDennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.
Read more »
Justice Department Investigates Antioch Police Department for DiscriminationThe U.S. Justice Department is investigating the Antioch Police Department in California for alleged discriminatory conduct against members of the public. The investigation was prompted by leaked text messages containing racial slurs, celebrations of police brutality, and homophobic language.
Read more »
Justice Department Agrees to Reform Fulton County Jail After Finding ViolationsThe U.S. Justice Department reached an agreement to reform Fulton County Jail in Georgia after investigators found violence, filthy conditions, and unconstitutional treatment of detainees. The proposed consent decree addresses issues including jail violence, inadequate living conditions, and the in-custody death of a man whose body was covered in insects.
Read more »
Justice Department Reaches Agreement to Improve Conditions at Fulton County JailThe U.S. Justice Department has agreed to a court-enforceable plan with Fulton County, Georgia to address violations of constitutional rights found in the county jail. The agreement aims to resolve issues related to violence, unsanitary conditions, and excessive force.
Read more »
California Police Department Agrees to Reforms After Racist Texts ScandalThe Department of Justice previously launched a probe into the police department's text messages.
Read more »