Justice Department Alleges Voting Rights Act Violation
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Hazleton, Pennsylvania, alleging the city’s “at-large” election system unlawfully dilutes the political influence of its growing Hispanic population. The lawsuit, submitted to a Scranton federal court on Tuesday, argues that the system prevents Hispanic residents from electing candidates who represent their interests, violating the federal Voting Rights Act.
Demographics of Hazleton
Hazleton is home to approximately 30,000 residents, about two-thirds of whom are Hispanic. Despite their significant presence, the city’s voting-age population skews slightly toward non-Hispanic white residents, with 53% identifying as such, compared to 43% Hispanic.
The lawsuit claims that systemic barriers have contributed to the underrepresentation of Hispanic citizens, with no Hispanic candidates ever elected to the city council.
City Leaders Defend Election System
Republican Mayor Jeff Cusat and City Council President Jim Perry defended the current election system, stating it provides equal opportunities for all residents.
“The at-large system gives equal voting rights to all citizens regardless of their race or gender,” their joint statement read. Perry emphasized that the lack of Hispanic representation was due to low voter turnout rather than systemic bias.
Justice Department’s Concerns
U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam criticized the system, arguing that it disenfranchises Hispanic residents and leaves them without adequate political representation.
“Hispanic citizens should have the ability to choose candidates who represent their interests,” Karam said in a statement.
The lawsuit further notes that Hazleton’s Hispanic population continues to face discrimination in areas such as education, employment, housing, and policing, which impacts their ability to engage in the political process.
Calls for Reform
The Justice Department is asking the court to require Hazleton to implement a new election system that ensures Hispanic residents can elect candidates of their choice.
State Representative Manny Guzman, vice chairperson of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus, supported the lawsuit, saying it was critical for empowering the Hispanic community.
“Something is preventing Latinos from earning their rightful place at these tables and in these seats,” Guzman said.
Related Legal Battles
This is not the first challenge to Hazleton’s electoral practices. A separate lawsuit, filed a year ago by two Hispanic parents, claims the at-large system for electing members of the Hazleton Area School Board similarly disenfranchises Hispanic voters. That case is still pending before the same judge, U.S. District Judge Karoline Mehalchick.
The school district denies violating the Voting Rights Act, maintaining that all residents have equal voting opportunities.
