Nassau County, New York, has agreed to redraw its voting districts following a lawsuit that accused the county of diluting the electoral power of residents of color. The settlement, announced Thursday, marks a significant shift in how the suburban county, located just east of New York City, structures its political map.
Details of the Settlement
Under the agreement, Nassau County will create six voting districts where Black, Latino, and Asian residents form a majority of eligible voters. This new map will take effect for legislative elections in November and will remain valid until after the 2030 census when maps are redrawn.
The current Republican-controlled map, approved in 2023, only had four districts where residents of color were the majority, despite these communities comprising over one-third of the county’s eligible voters.
Lawsuit Alleges Disenfranchisement
The lawsuit, filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and other advocacy groups, argued that the 2023 map split or grouped minority communities with demographically dissimilar areas. This, the lawsuit claimed, diluted the voting power of these communities and prevented the election of officials representing the county’s diverse population.
Lisa Ortiz, one of the plaintiffs, hailed the agreement as a win for equality and democracy. “After years of having our votes and voices diluted and ignored, we finally have an equal voice at the polls,” she said.
Demographics and Representation
Nassau County has a population of nearly 1.4 million, with about 56% identifying as white. Despite this, nearly 80% of the county’s legislative body is white. The NYCLU argued that the new map will better reflect the county’s demographic reality and ensure fair representation.
Republican Response
Joseph Cairo, chairman of the Nassau County Republican Committee, emphasized the party’s commitment to fair and competitive elections. “Republican successes at the polls illustrate the fact that our agenda is reflective of the priorities of the people who call Nassau home,” Cairo stated.
The party expressed confidence in maintaining its legislative majority under the new map.