Justice Department Sending Observers For Pasadena’s May 6 Election

PASADENA, TX — The U.S. Department of Justice will monitor the city council and mayoral elections during Saturday’s general election, officials said.

Two justice department officials will be on hand at two voting locations on Saturday to ensure there are not issues.

However, no one knows who asked for the observers, or which polling location they will be at this weekend, officials said.

Mayoral Candidates Pat Van Houte and Gloria Gallegos expressed their optimism that the Justice Department was paying attention to ensure fairness in the election process.

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The City of Pasadena has been the subject of scrutiny since August 2016, when the Mexican American Legal Defense Education Fund filed a federal lawsuit against the city, citing Voting Rights violations related to the 2013 redistricting that saw the city implement races for six single-member districts and two at-large seats, instead of the eight single-member seats that had been in place.

The case was presented in U.S. District Court in November with testimony being presented through December.

In January, Judge Lee Rosenthal ruled against the city, citing discrimination by Pasadena Mayor Johnny Isbell and the city against Latinos, in violation of the Voting Rights Act.

Rosenthal issued a 113-page ruling that essentially ordered the city to revert to the pre-2013 eight member districts on the city council.

The city appealed to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, who heard arguments in February, and agreed with Rosenthal’s ruling.

See Also: Court Of Appeals Hears Arguments In Pasadena’s Voting Rights Lawsuit

The city decided to wait until after the election, with candidates already signing up for a place on the ballot.

By mid-February there were seven mayoral candidates vying to replace the out-going Isbell, and 17 others running for council seats.

Meanwhile early voting began April 24 and ended May 2.

Click the link to find the City of Pasadena election information, which includes voting times and locations in your area.

Image: Shutterstock

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