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Published Monday, October 27, 2008
The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the city of Calera in U.S. District Court Friday, alleging the city's new voting districts violate a section of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The Justice Department maintains Calera's new voting districts eliminates the city's only majority-minority district.
According to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, a city must obtain preclearance from the U.S. Attorney General or the U.S. District Court for any changes with reference to voting. The legislation prevents a city from weakening the strength of minority voters by changing electoral practices.
The Justice Department claims Calera officials did not obtain preclearance for its new voting districts before the Aug. 26 general election. The city has agreed to abandon its new voting districts until preclearance is obtained.
In addition, the city will not swear in Mayor-elect Jon Graham and Councilmembers-elect Chris Bunn, Eric Snyder, Brian Latham, David Bradshaw and Mike Roberson on Nov. 3. The current mayor and city council will remain in office until the lawsuit is resolved.
City Attorney Frank "Butch" Ellis has asked for the Justice Department to reconsider its decision, and the Attorney General has committed to providing a decision no later than Nov. 17.
Four of us guys that should be taking office on Nov. 3 heard this while we were in Montgomery yesterday attending a workshop session for the Alabama League of Municipalities.
Where we stand now is the issue has to go before a 3 panel Judge either in Montgomery or Atlanta, let them hear the case and decide if Calera tried to do away with a minority district. The crazy part is the last survey that was done about a month ago, sent out at the request of the Justice Department, proved that 1) Calera does not have a minority district anymore. 2) We are well diversed in our city. 3) More whites are moving to Calera than Blacks.
Well, I am of course still hoping and praying that they get this mess resolved. Please keep it in your prayers as well. It is still possible that we can hear something before November 3rd but highly unlikely. I am not being negative, just realistic!
1 comment:
This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of! And for the record: I did not like the survey Calera sent out. In fact, I told them I didn't and why I didn't. In the end, I didn't tell them my race. The way they worded it was not "politicaly correct." The whole thing makes me angry. They need a whole city vote for ALL of it! Do away with district voting altogether! I'll get off my soap box now...
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