The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated legal proceedings against the City of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, challenging its at-large electoral system for city council elections. The department contends that this system diminishes the ability of Hispanic citizens to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice, thus breaching Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
According to the lawsuit, over 40% of Hazleton's electorate comprises Hispanic voting-age citizens. Despite this significant demographic presence, candidates preferred by Hispanic voters have consistently failed to secure city council seats.
"The Voting Rights Act is an important tool to ensure that underrepresented citizens have an equal opportunity to choose their elected officials," stated Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. She added that the Justice Department is dedicated to ensuring equitable participation in democracy and aims to collaborate with local authorities in bringing Hazleton into compliance with federal law.
U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam emphasized the significance of Hispanic representation in Hazleton: "The Hispanic population is a growing and important population in the City of Hazelton, and those citizens should have the ability to choose candidates that represent their interests."
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the complaint proposes altering Hazleton's electoral method as a solution. It suggests that electing council members from single-member districts could enable Hispanic voters to elect at least two members on the five-member city council. The lawsuit seeks a court order mandating a new election method for Hazleton.
The Justice Department expressed hope for productive discussions with Hazleton officials towards resolving this issue.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section works alongside U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to enforce federal statutes safeguarding voting rights, including various acts like the Voting Rights Act and others related to voter registration and absentee voting.
For more information about voting laws or reporting potential violations, resources are available on the department’s website or through their helpline.