Justice Department Sues Pennsylvania City Over Alleged Voting Rights Violations

The lawsuit claims Hazleton's at-large council election system disenfranchises Hispanic voters, violating the Voting Rights Act.

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Hazleton, Pennsylvania, challenging its at-large election system for city council seats.
The complaint alleges the system prevents the city’s Hispanic population, which comprises over 40% of voting-age citizens, from electing candidates of their choice.
No Hispanic candidate has ever been elected to the Hazleton City Council, despite the city's Hispanic population making up two-thirds of its total residents.
The DOJ argues that racially polarized voting patterns and systemic barriers, such as limited campaign resources and exclusion from key events, contribute to the issue.
The lawsuit seeks a federal court order to replace the at-large system with single-member districts to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act.