Federal Judge Orders Galveston County to Redraw Precinct Maps, Citing Voting Rights Violations
Galveston County in Texas has been instructed by a federal judge to redraw its precinct maps due to allegations of voting rights violations, a violation of the Voting Rights Act. The judge ruled that the current maps discriminate against Blacks and Latinos, denying them equal voting rights. This decision comes after the county’s Commissioners Court Precinct 3, represented by Stephen Holmes since 1999, saw a significant reduction in the percentage of Black and Latino voters during the recent redistricting process.
The judge’s ruling labeled the changes made to Precinct 3 as stark, jarring, shocking, meanspirited, and egregious. The initial plan submitted in court documents would have maintained Precinct 3 as a majority Black and Latino district. However, the county commissioners adopted a different plan that effectively dismantled this voting bloc. The Texas Civil Rights Project, representing the affected communities, agreed with the judge’s decision, emphasizing that the current maps are discriminatory.
Galveston County Judge Mark Henry, on the other hand, maintains that the county followed redistricting laws and did not engage in any racial discrimination. Judge Henry expressed confidence that the county’s position will be vindicated when the case is appealed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. He also noted that during the redistricting process, there were fewer opportunities for public input compared to previous instances.
Commissioner Holmes, who represents Precinct 3, felt that the new redistricting process was conducted differently from previous occasions. While prior redistricting efforts included public meetings held after work hours to allow more people to voice their opinions, this time, there was only one meeting held during the day when many were unable to attend. Commissioner Holmes expressed concern over the impact of the changes on the community, stating that it denies them the right to elect their preferred candidates.
As per the judge’s order, Galveston County must submit a new redistricting plan by October 20th. The plaintiffs involved in the case have the opportunity to raise objections to the proposed plan. These redistricting maps must be in place before the 2024 election.
Regarding this issue, calls and emails seeking an interview with Galveston County Judge Mark Henry were left unanswered.
In conclusion, a federal judge’s order mandates Galveston County in Texas to redraw its precinct maps due to alleged voting rights violations. The judge determined that the current maps discriminate against minority voters, specifically Blacks and Latinos. While the county authorities contend that they followed the redistricting laws without engaging in racial discrimination, the judge’s ruling emphasizes the need for a revision to ensure equal voting rights. It remains to be seen how Galveston County will respond to the order and whether further legal challenges will arise.
