The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated legal action against Fayette County, Tennessee, accusing the county's Board of Commissioners of violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The lawsuit claims that the board's redistricting plan undermines Black voters' ability to elect candidates of their choice.
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, the suit alleges that during the 2021 redistricting process, Fayette County's Commission ignored several proposed plans that would have enabled Black communities to elect representatives. This decision allegedly went against recommendations from both its redistricting committee and a hired attorney meant to assist with redistricting.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke from the Civil Rights Division stated, “The right to vote is sacred and is the foundation for our ability to exercise all other civil rights.” She emphasized that Black voters should have equal opportunities to elect their preferred candidates and criticized Fayette County's adopted map for not providing such opportunities. Clarke reaffirmed the Justice Department’s dedication to enforcing voting rights laws and ensuring fair electoral processes.
Acting U.S. Attorney Reagan Fondren for the Western District of Tennessee added, “The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, and Black voters in Fayette County deserve the same opportunity as anyone else to elect leaders who represent their voices.”
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section collaborates with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to enforce federal statutes protecting voting rights, including various acts such as the Voting Rights Act and National Voter Registration Act.
For further information on voting and elections or to report potential violations of federal voting rights laws, resources are available at www.justice.gov/voting or through contacting 1-800-253-3931.