The Collin County Observer™

Still Waiting for a Primary Date

01/27/12

07:47:41 am, by bill

, 350 words,

Categories: Guest Opinions

Still Waiting for a Primary Date

I apologize for not updating the blog for some time. Sometimes life gets in the way - but,

I. Am. Back.

First, to put this in context - we cannot vote without a map. We can't set a date to vote without a map. Folks need to know where to go and when to show up. No map - no vote. So right now, we are waiting.

Texas is one of nine states that that is required, pursuant to the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to have their Congressional District and Voting maps approved by the United States Justice Department due to a long history of racial discrimination against voters. (Yes, the sad history of Jim Crow laws continues to taint our state.)

The voting map proposed by the Texas legislature was rejected by a federal court in San Antonio because it was determined by that court to violate the Voting Rights Act by failing to protect the rights of minority voters. The San Antonio federal court drew another map. That map was challenged by the Texas Attorney General who appealed to the United States Supreme Court asserting that the map created by the Texas Legislature should be honored.

The United States Supreme Court determined that the map created by the Texas Legislature did, indeed, impede on the rights of minorities, but made no determination on whether it violated the Voting Rights Act. The Supremes did say that the San Antonio federal court overstepped its bounds and “create[d] a minority coalition district, rather than drawing a district that simply reflected population growth." Greater deference should have been given to the Legislature's map but it needs to be fixed up somehow to protect the rights of minorities.

So, did The Supremes tell us what to do? No - that would be too easy.

The Supremes instructed the federal court in San Antonio to create "interim voting districts" and the federal courts would continue to hear arguments from both sides. So, we continue to wait on a primary date and, of course, a map. I will advise you of any developments in this very important matter.

Permalink 2 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: Kim Vitz [Visitor]

Bill, Glad you are back! Missed you. Hope you are well. Looking forward to more reporting.

Permalink 01/28/12 @ 10:50

Comment from: Michael Biggs [Visitor]

It is great to have you back. Believe me I know life gets in the way sometimes.

Permalink 02/03/12 @ 18:13

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The Collin County Observer™

Still Waiting for a Primary Date

01/27/12

Still Waiting for a Primary Date

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