Justice Department Sues Georgia County Over Alleged Voting Rights Violations

The lawsuit claims Houston County's at-large election system disenfranchises Black voters and violates the Voting Rights Act.

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Houston County, Georgia, alleging its at-large election system for county commissioners dilutes Black voters' influence in violation of the Voting Rights Act.
Black residents make up over 31% of the county's voting-age population, yet only one Black commissioner has been elected since the Civil War, with the current board entirely white.
The Justice Department argues that single-member districts would provide Black voters a fairer opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.
Houston County commissioners stated they are reviewing the allegations and will comply with the law if evidence supports the claims.
The lawsuit could set a precedent for addressing racial inequities in local elections nationwide, with the Justice Department seeking a court order to reform the election process.