ATLANTA – The Justice Department has filed a voting rights lawsuit against Houston County challenging its at-large method of electing county commissioners.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in federal court, alleges that electing the five commissioners at large rather than by districts gives Black citizens less opportunity to elect candidates of their choice in violation of the Voting Rights Act.
While Black residents account for more than 31% of the county’s voting-age population, Black-preferred candidates for the county commission have routinely lost.
“The Voting Rights Act guarantees that all eligible citizens have an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process and to elect representatives of their choice, regardless of race or ethnicity,” said Kristen Clarke, assistant U.S. attorney general of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
“The Justice Department has a solemn duty to protect the right to vote by enforcing the Voting Rights Act and ensuring that all communities have a fair and equal chance to participate. We look forward to working with Houston County officials to bring the county into compliance with the Voting Rights Act.
In a statement, county officials said they have had discussions with Justice Department officials.
“If we agree with DOJ regarding a possible violation of the Voting Rights Act after reviewing all of the documents and evidence, we will take appropriate action at that time,” the commissioners said.
The lawsuit seeks a federal court order implementing a new method of electing county commissioners.