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City of Hazleton Sued for Voting Rights Violations
The City of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, has been hit with a lawsuit by the federal government for violating voting rights. According to the complaint, the city council’s at-large method of election results in Hispanic citizens having less opportunity to participate in the political process and to elect candidates of their choice.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated, ‘The Voting Rights Act is an important tool to ensure that underrepresented citizens have an equal opportunity to choose their elected officials.’ The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that all citizens have an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process and elect candidates of choice.
U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam added, ‘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.’ The complaint alleges that changing the method of election can create opportunities for Hispanic voters to elect candidates of their choice to the Hazleton City Council.
The lawsuit seeks a federal court order implementing a new method of electing the Hazleton City Council. The Justice Department looks forward to continued discussions with the City of Hazleton toward resolution of this matter.
The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Acts, and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
For more information about voting and elections, visit www.justice.gov/voting. To learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws, visit www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. To submit a complaint about possible violations of federal voting rights laws, visit civilrights.justice.gov or call 1-800-253-3931.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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