DOJ Sues Hazleton, PA, Over Alleged Voting Rights Act Violations in City Council Elections
HAZLETON, PA — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Hazleton, Pennsylvania, claiming that the city’s at-large election system for city council seats violates the Voting Rights Act by not providing Hispanic residents with a fair opportunity to elect their preferred candidates.
The complaint, filed Tuesday, alleges that Hazleton’s election system disproportionately disadvantages its majority-Hispanic population, citing “discrimination in education, employment, housing, and policing” as contributing factors. The DOJ claims that these systemic issues create barriers to political participation and prevent “Hispanic-preferred candidates” from winning city council seats.
Key Points of the Lawsuit
- The DOJ’s complaint alleges that Hazleton’s at-large voting system violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits election practices that discriminate based on race or ethnicity.
- The term “Hispanic-preferred candidate” is not explicitly defined in the lawsuit, which has drawn criticism from legal experts.
- The DOJ also cited societal discrimination and low voter turnout among Hispanic residents as factors perpetuating the alleged inequity.
Local Context and Legal Pushback
Hazleton became majority-Hispanic in 2016, with Hispanics now making up 52% of the population. However, the DOJ contends that Hispanic representation in city council elections has lagged, with no Hispanic-preferred candidates winning seats under the current system.
Critics, including former DOJ counsel Hans von Spakovsky, argue that the lawsuit is politically motivated and lacks evidence of intentional discrimination. Von Spakovsky noted that the city’s electoral trends have shifted toward Republican candidates in recent years, suggesting political affiliation, not racial bias, as a key factor in election outcomes.
City Leadership Responds
Mayor Jeff Cusat and City Council President Jim Perry released a joint statement disputing the DOJ’s allegations.
“The current at-large system in the City of Hazleton gives equal voting rights to all citizens regardless of their race or gender,” they stated. “We have been working in good faith with the DOJ to address concerns, but the lawsuit appears to have been rushed without meaningful discussions.”
City officials revealed plans to propose a ballot referendum allowing voters to decide whether to change the city’s election system.
Broader Implications and Related Cases
This case adds to a series of voting rights lawsuits filed by the DOJ under the Biden administration, many of which have targeted election systems in Republican-led states. Legal experts have noted that the Hazleton case hinges on interpreting whether demographic shifts necessitate immediate electoral reforms.
The lawsuit follows a similar legal challenge against Hazleton’s school board election system, which also faces accusations of unfairness toward Hispanic residents.
Next Steps
The DOJ is seeking a court-ordered overhaul of Hazleton’s election system, potentially requiring district-based elections to replace the current at-large system. Hazleton leaders have vowed to defend the city’s practices while exploring options for resolving the dispute through local action.
This legal battle highlights ongoing debates over the balance between federal intervention and local control in election systems, particularly in rapidly changing communities like Hazleton.
Reference News :- Biden DOJ Sues Pennsylvania City Council For Not Being Hispanic Enough
