Justices Refuse to Postpone Jan. 22 Supervisor Vote
The Supreme Court today refused to postpone a Jan. 22 election under a redistricting plan designed to help elect a Latino to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for the first time in 115 years.
The court rejected an emergency request by board members, who said the plan ordered by a federal judge is unlawful.
The justices, however, took no action on a formal appeal by board members still pending before the high court.
The five-member board was accused by Latinos in 1988 of violating their rights by drawing districts after the 1980 census that allegedly diluted Latino voting strength.
The lawsuit said the district lines violated constitutional rights assuring equal protection for all and a 1982 federal voting rights law. The law forbids not only intentional discrimination but also any practice that has the effect of weakening the voting strength of minorities.
U.S. District Judge David V. Kenyon declared the former district plan unconstitutional. He carved out a new district in which Latinos account for an estimated 51% of the registered voters and 71% of the population.
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