NYC Congressional Map Challenge

A Complaint was filed in New York County State Supreme Court today, asking that the State Legislature create a Minority Influence District, that would include Staten Island and parts of Lower Manhattan, the 11th District.

An Minority Influence District, is a type of Voting District where a Racial or Ethnic Minority Group does Not make up the Majority of Voters. However, this Group has enough Representation, typically at least 25% of the Voting-Age Population, to Significantly impact Election Outcomes.

The Lawsuit is based on the State Constitutional Requirement that Districts respect Minority Voting Rights, coupled with the Argument that the State Voting Rights Act's criteria for creating Districts be used to Bolster the Need for a New Minority Influence District.

While the State Voting Rights Act does Not Apply to Congressional Districts, the Plaintiffs in this New Challenge, argue that the VRA's Standards should Apply to Congressional Redistricting.

The Challenge Argues that Black and Latino Residents of Staten Island and Lower Manhattan should All be included in One District.

This Challenge comes at the same time the Federal Voting Rights Act is being Challenged before the U.S. Supreme Court, and the State Voting Rights Act is being Challenged before the State Court of Appeals.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker