City Of Pasadena Blocked From Using Controversial Voting System By Court Ruling

HOUSTON -- The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked the City of Pasadena’s use of a controversial election scheme that was found to to discriminate against Latinos.

The court heard arguments on Feb 1 from attorneys representing the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the City of Pasadena, a federal voting rights lawsuit.

Two days later, the appeals court denied a request from the city for temporary stay as the city prepares for the next city-wide election for city council on May 6.

On Jan. 6, U.S. District Court Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ruled against Pasadena’s voting district configuration for city council seats, and stated that it violated the Voting Rights Act, and served to dilute the voice of a growing Latino voting bloc.

After Rosenthal issued her ruling, she ordered the city to return to the pre-2013 eight single-member districts, which prompted an influx of potential candidates to sign up for the city council election.

The city filed an appeal to Rosenthal’s ruling in January, and asked the court of appeals to hear the case.

The ruling all but assures that the the eight single-member districts will remain in place for the May 6 election.

MALDEF Vice President of Litigation Nina Perales issued a statement applauding the court of appeals ruling.

“This ruling gives hope to minority voters around the country that that federal courts will step in to protect them from discrimination, and when necessary the courts will order federal oversight of local elections to ensure everyone has an equal right to vote,” she said.

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