The US Justice Department is challenging Hazleton, Pennsylvania's citywide council election system, alleging it illegally dilutes the political power of the city's growing Hispanic population. The lawsuit, filed in Scranton federal court, argues the "at-large" system violates the Voting Rights Act.
The complaint, filed Tuesday, asserts that the current system deprives Hispanic citizens of equal political participation and the ability to elect candidates of their choice. The Justice Department, under the outgoing Biden administration, seeks a court order requiring Hazleton to adopt a new, more equitable electoral system.
Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat stated he is reviewing the lawsuit and preparing a response. Council President Jim Perry, while declining to comment on the specifics, noted that despite the growing Hispanic population, no Hispanic candidate has been elected to council. He attributed this to insufficient voter turnout.
Meanwhile, US Attorney Gerard Karam emphasized the need for Hispanic representation, stating that the city's Hispanic citizens have the right to elect candidates who reflect their interests.
Hazleton's demographics show a significant Hispanic population (two-thirds) with a majority Hispanic voting age population. The lawsuit contends this demographic has faced discrimination in education, employment, housing, and policing, and that racially polarized voting patterns hinder Hispanic candidates' campaign efforts.
This case builds upon a prior lawsuit filed last year regarding the Hazleton Area School Board's at-large election system. That lawsuit, still pending before Judge Karoline Mehalchick, alleges similar violations of the Voting Rights Act. The school district has countered that no federal law violations have occurred.
The ongoing legal battles raise significant questions about the fairness and effectiveness of at-large voting systems in diverse communities.