In a landmark decision, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled today that the redistricting plan implemented by the governing body of Galveston County, known as the Commissioners Court, violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The court declared that the County’s plan denied Black and Latino voters an equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect a candidate of their choice.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the significance of the ruling, stating, "This decision demonstrates that the Justice Department is vigorously enforcing the Voting Rights Act in communities across the country." Garland highlighted the court's recognition that the County's plan deprived Black and Latino voters of their right to participate fully in the political process.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the Voting Rights Act in protecting communities of color. "The Voting Rights Act stands as one of our most important civil rights laws," Clarke said. She noted that the court's decision emphasized the blatant violation of the Voting Rights Act, as the commissioners' court had eliminated the only district with a majority of Black and Latino residents.

U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas emphasized the fundamental right to vote regardless of race or ethnicity. "This decision protects the rights of Black and Latino voters in Galveston County and affords them an equal opportunity to have a voice," said Hamdani.

The court found that the County's plan prevented Black and Latino voters from electing a candidate of their choice in any district. Specifically, the court noted the elimination of an existing district where such opportunities had existed for decades. The court criticized this move as "mean-spirited" and "egregious" since there was no justification for such major changes. As a result, the court concluded that the County's actions had silenced the Black and Latino communities' voices on its commissioners' court, despite these groups comprising 38% of Galveston County's population.

With the 2024 elections on the horizon, Galveston County has until October 20 to enact a revised redistricting plan that ensures Black and Latino voters an equal opportunity to elect their preferred candidates. Alternatively, the court has mandated the implementation of a redistricting plan proposed by the United States if the County fails to submit an acceptable plan by November 1.

This ruling follows a bench trial held earlier this year from August 7 through 18. The contested redistricting plan was adopted by the county on November 12, 2021, after the release of data from the 2020 Census. The Justice Department initiated legal action against Galveston County in March 2022, leading to today's significant decision.