Justice Department to decide on Calera voting districts Shelby County Reporter

Published Tuesday, March 3, 2009

CALERA — The U.S. Justice Department will decide whether to approve Calera’s new voting districts on or before March 24, said City Attorney Frank “Butch” Ellis.

If the districts are approved, Mayor-elect Jon Graham and newly elected council members will assume office seven months after winning their respective elections, Ellis told city leaders during a council work session on Monday.

Last October, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging Calera’s voting districts violate a section of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Justice Department maintains the voting districts eliminate the city’s only majority-minority district.

Ellis has provided Justice Department officials with the city’s demographic data since the lawsuit was filed. Ellis is hopeful that the Justice Department will rule in the city’s favor.

“I’m optimistic that we’ll get a favorable hearing. They’ve asked questions and we’ve supplied answers,” he said.

This has been a long time coming. Everyone be praying that they approve this and that they do not prolong the answer any further! I am ready to move forward!!!